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Just as her gypsy
ancestors did a thousand years ago, Sayari Sapera left her desert village
on a journey that took her around the world. She was born on the road near
the small desert village of Samrau in the epic land of Rajasthan. A gifted
personality with a strong drive, Sayari first started to give singing
performances at the age of 10, and later she learned to dance. She worked
her way up the ladder, winning recognition and high profile bookings which
culminated in a world tour that lasted twelve years. From Paris to Tokyo
and New York to Stockholm she did her schooling the gypsy way, through
experiences and encounters on the road. Enriched with first hand
knowledge, she wanted to share it with others and help them to follow in
her footsteps.
With her husband Sheranath and long time friend Philippe Tapp she started
a family company and school of performers bearing her name - Sayari Roots
of Gypsy - based in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Combining Sayari Sapera experience
with Canadian Philippe Tapp eclectic background as financial analyst,
painter, opera singer and circus performer, Sayari and Philippe created
their own style of truly original shows. Fusing tradition with modernity,
balancing each other’s personalities, through years of devotion and hard
labor, they refined the performances. This was done through daily studio
practice and regular bookings in various Udaipur luxurious hotels and
events, enabling the performers to hone their craft in front of an
audience.
They have succeeded in offering their students an opportunity to five the
best of themselves in time stopping shows, while earning respect and
recognition from all. Being one of the very few companies with a gypsy
woman at their head can be challenging, even in today’s India, but her
success has contributed in changing people’s perceptions. Both Sayari the
woman and Sayari the company have elevated themselves above their born
status while contributing to the enrichment of local Rajasthani culture.
They are now planning to expand the school, enabling more people, mostly
villagers, to transform themselves through the learning process.
There is a lot to be gained by bringing deep rooted village values into
the void of the modern cities. Both worlds can benefit from this cultural
bridge, giving greater meaning to our lives.
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