"Earlier people didn't know about different dance forms. They just knew Bollywood. But the push these shows have given to dance is manifold," said Shakya, adding people have moved on from the salsa and the tango and are now adding hip-hop, ballet and other forms to their repertoire.
Lured by the idea of fame and money, seeing their children on television, and meeting celebrities, is driving many parents blind. This herd mentality, at times, can be dangerous.
"The middle-class aspirations for glamour can be dangerous. The taboo associated with dance is no more there, but not everyone can be a choreographer. You can pursue a passion as long as it feeds you," Lourd Vijay, founder of Lourd Vijay's Dance Studio in Bangalore, told IANS.
"If you are good, reality shows are an excellent platform. But competition has become extremely stiff. So one has to use one's imagination, be observant and learn something every day to be successful," he added.
Shambhu Kumar from Patna felt similarly.
