Meet the street dancer duo reclaiming Kathmandu’s public spaces

In the heart of Kathmandu, amidst the hurried pace of commuters at Ratnapark, a captivating spectacle unfolds. Two young men, Siddhartha Chhetri and Jibriel Alam, transform pavements into impromptu stages, their dynamic street dance performances drawing crowds and halting the city's rush.

Passers-by often stop, phones in hand, to record the duo's fluid movements and intricate steps. Some contribute to the hat placed on the ground, a testament to the immediate connection their art forges. After their performances, they retreat to a modest hotel room in Sundhara, where they plan their next moves, choosing locations and music for their street performances.

Chhetri, from Gauradaha, Jhapa, and Alam, from Champasari, Darjeeling, India, have been a team for about a year and a half. Their journey began by chance when Alam, a seasoned solo street dancer, met Chhetri, who was teaching dance locally. A joint performance at a fair in Gauradaha solidified their bond, marking the start of a partnership that has seen them travel together, sharing dreams and facing hardships.

"Those early days were not easy," Alam recalled. "Some people did not look at us, dancers performing in the street, positively. Others made fun of us. But we never gave up." Despite initial skepticism and mockery, their shared passion and resilience have allowed them to carve out a unique space for themselves, turning public areas into vibrant platforms for their art.

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Those early days were not easy. Some people did not look at us, dancers performing in the street, positively. Others made fun of us. But we never gave up.