The art of dance is, in other words, a universal language. Regardless where your finger may land on a spinning globe, such a medium is deeply ingrained in a myriad of cultures, transcending borders quite literally. Apart from being beautiful to witness, it is most certainly a mode of evocative communication, the gift to speak without words. Undoubtedly, in the Maldives, it has a unique significance as a form of expression deeply intertwined to our heritage.

The introduction of dance to the Maldives dates back decades, but it all started out when sailors from the Indian Ocean made their way to our land. The famously custom genre, Boduberu can be traced back to the 11th century AD. Over time, it has clearly undergone continuous evolution, with new trendy moves spreading across social media platforms almost daily. However, the thing about our community is the adoration and devotion we hold for our roots. Across the island young dancers experiment and fuse modernism with tradition, to create their very own form of art; one that drags to the limelight all that they are in the most holistic manner.

A grand example of this phenomenon is ”The Time”. A local dance crew that began with three individuals who shared the same passion. Founders Razaan Mohamed, Abdulla Yamin Yoosuf and Mohamed Irushadh, shared one common goal, one common mantra they followed wholeheartedly; ‘to be the change you want to see’. With Ghandi’s approval, come 2016 the trio began their expedition; to form a crew that would redefine the local dance landscape. With over 12 crew members, each from a different background, both in dance and the walks of life, each bringing their own flair and unique style to the group.

Furthermore, founder Razaan emphasizes; “more than anything it was to create a community ”. The Time turned a safe haven for the struggling youth, no matter what sort of pickle one may find themselves stuck in, the close knit circle has each other’s back. The crew does not only consist of dances but also vocalists, just about any form of art is more than welcome. He highlights; “people do change, if you give them the chance to”. The members follow the laws of love, one where helping “people off the streets ” is only natural, and rehab is a joint affair, not a one man game. While participating in charity events and building a safe environment for the community the crew hopes to spread the effects of compassion.

Razaan was introduced to dance through his brother, Murrath Mohamed from Zefrol Crew; it wasn’t soon after that he discovered his immense passion for it. Following his academic pursuits, he became a member of Choriotix crew, among the top dance crews in the Maldives. It was within this crew that he crossed paths with his mentor, Sharaf, widely known as Kuda Richard;  a dancer, event organizer, and the CEO of One Shot Events. As Razaan delved deeper into this new world, his passion flourished.

However, this journey also brought to light the unfortunate reality that the dancing community was, in truth, marginalized by society and the nation.

The Time prioritizes their hunger for knowledge. Coming to the realization that the island lacks institutes, academies or private classes available for dancers, making it impossible for individuals aspiring to pursue a career in performance arts to receive formal training In the Maldives. There appears to be little to no government attention and seriousness towards dance, extending to communication attempts with authorities. However, these efforts proved to be futile. Nevertheless, with the aid of the internet and the crew’s collective variety in experience and style, they have learned to learn from each other, taking matters into their own hands.

Despite life consistently presenting challenges to the crew, they persevered. With a scarcity of local dancers to serve as role models, they turned to one another for inspiration. Engaging in various dance styles, including lyrical, contemporary, urban hip hop, and cultural dance, ideal for performing at an extensive range of events. As a result of this exposure, they discovered that numerous individuals reached out, inquiring whether they offered dance classes. Something the crew hopes to provide in the near future. From the Asian 3 on 3 basketball tournament to celebrations like Eid and New Year, as well as school events, their versatility shone through in captivating performances.

In addition, The dance crew has joined forces with a local charity initiative named “Art of Charity,” an ongoing project that provides community funding for various issues, including health. This charity, initially organized for Gaza fundraising, was spearheaded by individuals from the film industry. Razaan was contacted by the widely recognized Yoosuf Shafeeu, better known as Eupe, a prominent actor whom many have fondly watched throughout their childhood. Eupe serves as both the director and one of the community advisors for the charity. The crew’s members volunteer selflessly, extending their support without any limitations, to assist people in overcoming their challenges.The Time transcends mere dance; it is a movement guided by the principles of empathy, carving a trail for those who share similar aspirations.