Sachin Patkaro aka Pekka, is a dancer from Mollem, Goa, representing We Step Dance Crew (Goa). With over a decade experience, he has been recognized as a dance teacher, performer, choreographer and freestyle battle dancer, contributing to the growth of the Goan dance community.
Sachin has participated in and won many events. He was the winner of Dance Goa Dance Season 9 (2016), and in 2017 he was the winner of Straight Outta Goan Streets Volume 1. The year 2018 was quite eventful for him as he was the runner-up in the Krump category and All Style Category of Straight Outta Goan Streets Season 2 dance battle, runner up at Krump Mela and also took home titles in the D-Weekend Jam, Street Tribe and Frolics Jam.
In 2019, Sachin proved that he was there to stay by being the runner-up of Know Your Worth and winner at Straight Outta Goan Streets Volume 3, Dance ka Kurukshetra, Rude Anniversary Jam, Meri Taqat Mera Faisla, Beat Me If You Can and emerged top 8 at Evolution Season 2. In 2020, he participated in and won Goa’s Dancing Superstar Season 4 and emerged top 4 at Republic Jam.
On his achievements, he says, “When I was small I used to watch TV shows like Dance India Dance and Boogie Woogie. So initially, I got inspired to dance and, secondly, I’m a music lover so that’s what made me move.”
Sachin has participated in street-style battles most of the time and he aims to enjoy every bit of the music when dancing. He says, “If you don’t enjoy the music and the dance, others will never ever feel what you feel for the music at that time.”
Sachin, although trained in street styles, can perform hip-hop, dancehall, Bollywood, choreography etc. Nevertheless, “Hip-hop is love,” he says and adds, “No limitations when it comes to freestyle and groove is what I love the most, it comes out so naturally.”
For Sachin, dance is a beautiful art form. He says, “Dance is what makes me feel alive and gives me a sense of peace, where I feel everything that I am doing and I feel fulfilled. I think everyone should try dancing to feel this calm where there’s nothing except you, your soul and the music.”
When there are too many dancers, there is always a comparison and pressure to get to the top and be the best. Sachin does feel the pressure, but says, “Make sure you don’t show it to your audience or competitors. Your calmness at that point makes you look like a mature dancer, this will happen over time. And for beginners just enjoy your journey. Learn from mistakes.”
When Sachin dances, he dances his heart out, displaying his flexibility and confidence. Has Goa contributed anything to his dancing talent? He answers, “I have seen Goa from scratch, Goan dancers or the general public have always shown love and respect for what I do and have appreciated my journey. I love each and everyone who was and has been there with me from day one.”
The general public have always shown love and respect for what I do and have appreciated my journey. I love each and everyone who was and has been there with me from day one.
Sachin Patkaro
Dedication, hard work and a willingness to learn and improve are essential components of a dancer’s journey. And therefore, Sachin says, “Training is key. If you’re thinking of taking it seriously as a career make sure you start at a very early age if possible. Do take up classes from all the teachers and understand your taste and train for a while under one teacher. For that matter, travel out of Goa for more exposure and more training.”
Sachin agrees that everyone has their fair share of struggles and it doesn’t matter whether or not one succeeds, what matters is until one reaches one’s goal one doesn’t quit. His words of wisdom to the young dancers who are trying to make their mark in dance in the competitive world are, “Go slow, keep training and work smart. There is just one shortcut to get perfect with your moves: practice.”