Lucknow: Ankita Bajpayee had two intentions when she decided to dance in water: please the rain gods and enter into the India Book of Records and Marvellous Book of Records.
The 15-year-old girl of Lucknow, capital of Uttar Pradesh state, danced continuously for eight hours and made it to the record books.
She now waits for good monsoon to benefit farmers in parched Bundelkhand and other parts of Uttar Pradesh, reports The Times of India.
In the past, Ankita had entered the India Book of Records for taking 120 Kathak spins in one minute and dancing on an earthen pot for five hours.
Initially, Ankita thought of making a record of dancing continuously for five hours but with public motivation and support of the spectators she extended it to eight hours.
Standing in knee-deep water in a swimming pool June 25 night, Ankita said, “The feeling at the moment is indescribable with so many people cheering. Dancing in water requires a lot of strength of the lower part of the body especially ankles and feet but I enjoyed it. I used to practice for three-four hours every day, so it was easy for me,” she said.
She chose to dance on songs based on themes of rains and presented Lavni, Rajasthani, and Sufi styles of dancing. “The idea of invoking rain through dance came to me from English movies. Since monsoon was scarce in the state last year I thought I should do it and create a record,” she said.
Ankita was accompanied by her mother, who motivated her for eight hours. Her school principal and teachers were also present at the spot to encourage her.