Mumbai welder’s son gets entry to New York ballet school, but can’t afford it

Mumbai city news: The fifteen- year-old dropped out of school after class 8 to pursue ballet dancing full-time.

Amiruddin Shan, the son of a welder in Sanpada, is determined to make his mark as a ballet dancer.

Shan has been accepted at the esteemed American Ballet Theatre Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School (ABTJKO) in New York. (HT Files)

The fifteen- year-old dropped out of school after class 8 to pursue ballet dancing full-time.

His life took a positive turn after he was spotted by international ballet master Yehuda Ma’or spotted him in a studio in Bandra around two-and-a-half years ago.

Ma’or liked his performances and immediately showed interest to train him, in order to make him fit for a bigger platform. After practising day in and day out for two-and-a-half years under the guidance of Ma’or, Shan has been accepted at the esteemed American Ballet Theatre Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School (ABTJKO) in New York. He is also willing to continue his education, as his long cherished dream is now taking shape.

However, financial constrains might become a hurdle for Shan. Since his father is a welder and mother a homemaker, they cannot afford to send him to New York for a year.

His mentor Ma’or said, “When I spotted this boy’s performance for the first time, I realised that I found something unique, so I started training him. To avoid disruptions, we also had to take him out of school.”

“Shan has a perfect body for ballet. His feet, his knees are all in the required shape, and he picked up the basics very quickly. But the problem is that India does not have any schools for ballet. When I took his videos and showed them to people in America, everyone was impressed. Him securing a seat in American Ballet Theatre is a very big achievement,” he further said.

“India is a huge country, but it has not been able to produce many classical artists so far. If the country shows some kindness to this boy, I am sure, he will make the country proud,” he further said.

Shan now hopes that the city he was born and brought in will help him realise his dreams. “Whatever has come to me today is result of my dedication and support from my mentor, Yehuda Ma’or. I hope to get some kind of financial support or a sponsorer from Mumbai,” he said.

To help Shan, you can write to maoryehuda@gmail.com or atjaney.leeee@gmail.com