Anoop Cherikkalil
Founder and Director
Anoop Rhythm Dance (ARD)
Salalah, Sultanate of OmanÂ
Anoop Cherikkalil, popularly known as Anoop Master, is a not-to-be-missed presence in the cultural landscape of Salalah. A Karate black belt holder, he is an accomplished dancer and fitness instructor who runs Anoop Rhythm Dance (ARD), which is a preferred destination for kids of expatriates in Salalah who wish to learn dance. Anoop and his students steal the show whenever there are cultural events in the city.
From Pavaratty to Salalah
He belongs to Pangu in Pavaratty near Guruvayur in Thrissur District, where he was born to the late Janardhanan, who used to work as a Physical Education teacher in Shoranur, and Bharathi, a house wife. Right from Class I, Anoop used to learn dance under the watchful eyes of Kalamandalam-trained Geetha Teacher followed by other notable figures like Sreedevi teacher and Kshemavathi teacher. He is also trained in western, hip-hop and cinematic dance forms. He is also trained in Thayambaka under the guidance of the renowned Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Pothuval and has secured first position for the same at the State Kalolsavam.
He did his undergraduate studies in Commerce at SN College Kulappully. Anoop also developed an interest in Karate and went on to acquire a Black Belt Third Dan.
It was at the age of 20 that he joined a photo studio in Vaniyamkulam, Palakkad District. He continued there till 2000, when he got the opportunity to move to Oman. He reached Salalah, where he started giving private lessons in dance and Karate. Initially, he started with eight students.
Gradually, he started a fitness studio named Rhythm in Salalah. Unfortunately, it had to close down because of certain issues. Anoop then joined Salalah Ready Mix as a purchaser and continued there for 10 years. It was after a decade-long stint in the transport firm that he once again thought of starting a dance and fitness school. With the help of an Omani sponsor, he started ARD.
About ARD
ARD’s opening was a glittering event at the Museum Hall graced by the presence of His Excellency the Ambassador of India and 1,000 invitees. There were classical, Western dances, and aerobic displays at the inaugural ceremony. Today, the academy has 200 students of different age groups, learning dance. They are a regular presence at community gatherings and often win prizes at cultural events hosted by Indian Schools.
Passion and Family
Anoop is a member of the Indian Social Club Malayalam Wing. When not teaching dance moves, he loves to take his camera and head for the wilderness to capture Nature and its fauna in all its splendour.
He is married to Bitha Srambikkal, who is an audiologist. They have one daughter, Aavani, who did her schooling in Indian School Salalah, after which she joined Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi for BBA.
Contact Information
Anoop Rhythm Dance
Salalah, Sultanate of OmanÂ
Mobile: +968 99072125
Email:
