Darjeeling Dancer T aka Ujan Rai: ‘My Focus Is Not Just On Winning But Also On Having Fun’

One look at dancer and breaking artist T aka Ujan Rai (who has previously gone by the names T. Rai and Tom Rai) on any stage and you can tell he’s always enjoying himself. The India winner of the dance competition Red Bull Dance Your Style National Final last month, Rai says when he’s dancing, he’s only focused on two things – the music and himself.

He says in quite a philosophical tone, “My smile isn’t just for show; it reflects the joy I feel as the music moves through me, controlling my body’s motions. Dancing is like a game for me, where I strive to touch all the invisible lights, propelling me to keep moving. It’s a playful and deeply fulfilling experience that I love to indulge in.”

Rai – who began dancing in 2015 in Darjeeling – is now repping the country at the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Finals in November. Taking place in Mumbai, there’s a bit of a home advantage that might just work in Rai’s favor. Previously, the dancer had also won the West Regional qualifier. If he’s been winning so far, Rai plans to maintain consistency at the World Finals. “I’m not setting specific expectations; instead, I’m approaching each day as it comes, hoping for the best outcome,” he says.

Among the songs that we could see Rai revel in interpreting through his dance at the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Final was American rapper Armani White’s “Billie Eilish.” Recounting the moment that’s been captured and reposted across social media as a key moment in Rai’s win, the dancer says it was “nerve-wracking” at the time. It was the first round and dancers aren’t told which song will come on, but Rai says he knew “Billie Eilish” “like the back of my hand.” He adds, “I calmed myself, took control of my body and mind, despite the unfamiliar floor beneath me. As each banger drop resonated through the venue, I seized the moment, unleashing my best moves and catching the beat effortlessly. It was in that moment that I realized I was winning this battle.” It was from that moment on that Rai says he believed he could win the entire competition.

At the World Finals, Rai plans to focus on not just winning but also having fun, true to his mindset so far. Training is on and the dancer hopes to push boundaries and explore all his movements and deepen his connection with music. “I’m closely studying myself, conducting a thorough analysis,” he says.

Outside of competing on national and world stages, Rai is also an educator, mentor, choreographer and freestyler. He adds, “Or as some might say, a ‘mover.’” The goal with everything he does is to convey a message of unity through his dance. Rai says, “Through the numerous workshops and courses, I conduct, I emphasize that dance transcends any single culture. I believe that culture is created by humans, and dance is a powerful tool that connects us all, fostering unity This principle was imparted to me by my mentor, and it’s a philosophy I strive to instill in all my students.”

The Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final 2024 will take place on November 9th at NSCI Dome, Mumbai. Get tickets here.