Beat the Banana! Charity Run - World Cancer Research Fund Hong Kong invites you to the fifth 3km fun run Beat the Banana! to promote the importance of an active lifestyle and a healthy diet for cancer prevention. Sun, Jan 31. Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade. Details: 2529-5025, www.wcrf-hk.org.

Clothing and Accessories Swap Party
Come to this green event and make a difference! Bring any five used items to exchange with others. In return, you’ll be saving money, meeting people and enjoying the party. $60 (includes a drink). Thu, Feb 4, 7pm-10pm. The Culture Club, 15 Elgin St., SoHo, www.cultureclub.com.hk.

Dog Rescue Lease Termination
The lease of the Hong Kong Dog Rescue kennels and offices will expire on Feb 28, 2010, and the poor pups have nowhere to go. Dog lovers please get in touch to see how you can help. Woof! Hong Kong Dog Rescue, 698 Victoria Rd., Pok Fu Lam, 2875-2132, www.hongkongdogrescue.com.

Let’s Salsa
The annual Hong Kong Salsa Festival will be held from Feb 1-7, featuring programs including club nights, street parties, Asia-Pacific Salsa Open Championships, weekend workshops and performances. Details www.hksalsafestival.com.

Inside the Swine Flu Pandemic
Director of Public Health Communication Programme of HKU, Dr. Thomas Abraham will share his experiences of the H1N1 pandemic from a healthcare worker’s point of view, and how this health issue is still evolving. $180. Mon, Feb 1, 12:45pm lunch, 1:15pm address. Foreign Correspondents’ Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd., Central, 2521-1511, concierge@fcchk.org.

HK PICKS
Hong Kong for Haiti
A charity event to raise funds for the relief work in Haiti and ensure that the tragedy unfolding there remains in the public eye. All ticket revenues and funds raised will be donated. $400 from ZUMA. Wed, Feb 3, 6:30pm; charity auction starts 9pm. ZUMA, 5/F The Landmark, Central, www.hongkongforhaiti.com.


Upclose - Vaibhavi Merchant

Vaibhavi Merchant, one of India’s most famous and successful choreographers, talks to Kirti Nandwani about her new theater production “The Merchants of Bollywood,” which is based on her own life.

HK Magazine: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a choreographer?
Vaibhavi Merchant: I was 17 and it was my grandmother who suggested I join films since I was inclined to dancing and had trained since the age of six. I choreographed a piece in school and never realized this would be my profession some day.

HK: Where did you train?
VM: I’ve trained in both Bharat Natyam and Kathak. I also trained in jazz and a few Indian folk dances.

HK: Who do you look up to for inspiration?
VM: I look up to the work of dancers and choreographers from all around the world. I am fascinated with my grandfather’s work too. I also like Bob Fosse’s work.

HK: You’ve choreographed for Bollywood movies. What’s it like teaching popular actors?
VM: Teaching them is a lot of fun but sometimes I have to be strict because I want them to do their best and they understand and respect that.

HK: How is choreographing for a movie dance number different from
a theater musical?
VM: For theater the staging format is a lot different from films. Dimensions change—theater is all in one go. In films you go piece by piece. Theater needs a lot of rehearsals and discipline; for films there is always another chance if you goof up. Both are challenging though, and satisfying.

HK: “The Merchants of Bollywood” is based on your own story. What’s it like seeing your story live on stage?
VM: I felt nostalgic when I sat and watched the show for the first time and every time I see it I remember to be thankful to have been born to this family, with their deep respect for the arts.

HK: What should we expect from the performance?
VM: A lot of colors, vibrant costumes, energetic dances and high-energy entertainment—an honest effort from the entire team of “The Merchants of Bollywood.” Also, I sincerely hope that everyone gets a glimpse of the culture and diversity of some of the dances from India.

HK: How has Bollywood dancing changed over the last 10 years?
VM: I think the fact that the world recognizes the Indian film industry because its music and dance speaks for itself. Audiences all over the world are amazed with the energy and it has become a brand in itself. People now want to do Bollywood dancing.

HK: What advice do you have for future choreographers?
VM: I have only one thing to say: you must have conviction and passion for your work. Believe in your work and learn from your own mistakes.

HK: Have there been times when you couldn’t think of any dance steps? If so, what do you about it?
VM: There are times when there is a complete block, but I leave it at that and move to another piece and then come back and pick up from where I left off and if that does not work I divert my mind.

“The Merchants of Bollywood,” see Stage Listings.