Jason and Sylvia in action during a dance performance.
LONDON
Dance is not just an art form for Jason James Viegas and Sylvia Francisca Fernandes, it is also their passion. For the past 24 years, the couple has performed for numerous stage performances, corporate events both in Goa, India and around the world. They have now shifted base and have started classes in the UK.
Jason and Sylvia specialised mostly in Latin and ballroom form of dance styles, but are today well versed in different styles likes Salsa, Bachata, Freestyle, Bollywood. Now, their daughter is a graded ballet dancer.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Jason and Sylvia have had many firsts to their credits.
“We were the first Indian couple to represent and compete internationally for the Asian Dancesport Championships in Hong Kong, World Latin Cup in Singapore, Salsa Championship in Hong Kong, and Wild Card entry at the European Championships in Lisbon,” said Jason.
Their major stage performances include opening for the International Film Festival 2005 along with Hema Sardesai, Himesh Reshamiya, John Abraaham and many other Bollywood stars, first Afro-Asian Games closing Ceremony, Femina Miss India, Lusofonia Games in Goa and Goa Day UK from 2020 to 2024.
MOVING TO UK
Jason and Sylvia decided to migrate to the UK in 2019 when Jason added another prestigious honour to his tally of medals – the gold medal with honours which he accomplished at the exams in the Royal Trinity (IDTA) International Dance Teachers Association in London.
Jason and Sylvia are both professional dancers, having certifications in Dancing (IDTA gold medallist), fitness (level 2 fitness instructor) and Zumba, which helped them start dance classes in the UK.
Jason, Sylvia their daughter Gabriela and Victoria Brown, a dance consultant for the Arthur Murray Dance Studios International and an international examiner.
Jason and Sylvia also attended the master class for advanced Latin training conducted by Victoria Brown, a dance consultant for the Arthur Murray Dance Studios International, and an international examiner.
Their passion for dancing has been passed on to their daughter Gabriela Viegas.
Gabriela is training to be a ballet dancer and is now doing her RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) Grade 4 training.
“She studies at St Mark’s Catholic School in Hounslow and along with her academics, is an outstanding theatre, drama and art student. She takes part in the choir of the school and is also a young Lector for the church,” said Sylvia.
DANCE CLASSES
In the UK, Jason and Sylvia along with their daughter, Gabriela, have kept their passion for dancing alive.
Having started their dance classes in late 2021, it was a bit slow in the beginning due to Covid pandemic.
“But now, it is gradually improving. Most Goans have to adjust their time as they have a varied time work schedule. We also get a lot of enquiries to open up branches in different parts of UK,” said Jason.
Jason and Sylvia conduct dance classes at the St Michael and Martin Church, Hounslow, where they train kids, youngsters and adults in different genres of dance getting them ready for shows, dance performances, or their wedding choreography.
“We conduct exclusive wedding first dance choreography, which has become a trend since we started. We also have a strong Zumba dance exercise classes for fitness,” Jason added.
Jason and Sylvia have received support from the church, the local council and a lot of Goan organisations.
“They have helped us by giving us a place to perform and to showcase our talents,” said Sylvia.
Most of their students are predominately Goans across various age groups, with the youngest student barely three years old.
“The response to our dance classes has been fairly good with people being more and more aware of the classes being held at the church centre in Hounslow,” said Jason.
FUTURE PLANS
Jason and Sylvia intend to work with their students at different levels, from school productions, to stage shows and private functions.
“We plan to take them to participate for European and international dance shows, competitions and championships. There is a lot potential among our Goan kids and youngsters which with international exposure can really develop. Our aim is to get more and more people to involved and also keep the traditional culture of Goa intact,” said Sylvia.
Added Jason: “Our aim is also to get the kids in main stage performances, recognise, appreciate their talent and to get them get through their medals exams which can help to pursue a career in dance.”
