Under the Monocle: Nevin Thobias
Nevin Thobias and his dance partners dressed up in their costumes for photos before the annual showcase in Naperville.
You might know him as the guy who walks down the hallways greeting everyone with “Yo”’s and “Dude”’s, but outside of school, Nevin Thobias is known for more than that.
Since the 1st grade, Nevin has been dancing Bharatanatyam, which is an Indian classical dance that originated in South India. He has been taught by a total of four different teachers but has danced with his current teachers for about seven years.
“They’ve practically become my second set of parents because of how much time I’ve spent with them,” said Nevin.
His actual parents were the ones who began his dancing journey. Starting him off with singing, Nevin’s parents tried to find him a hobby. Dancing resonated most with him.
“It started with my parents wanting me to try several activities to see what I liked,” said Nevin. “But unlike everything else, dancing ended up being what stuck, and I grew up loving it.”
His success started two years into his dancing when he was around six years old. So far, his success has taken him to the Indian equivalent of The Today Show and has won him so many awards that he lost count after 80.
Only a portion of the awards Nevin has won for his classical Indian dancing.
Besides TV shows, Nevin’s talent has taken him to multiple competitions with his dance groups, and one even gave him the opportunity to go out of state.
“I had a competition in Philadelphia once,” said Nevin. “It was a national competition, and it was one that I definitely remember the most. This was the first and only time we went to a completely different state for a competition.”
Nevin with the Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam.
Nevin plans on continuing his dance career after high school, and his current teachers are very proud of this decision and his commitment.
“Growing up in Chicago, his commitment and interest in Bharatanatyam is very commendable and to be appreciated,” said Nevin’s teacher. “By training a male dancer, he has given me a chance to grow as a teacher. He is a role model to his peers due to the confidence and determination with which he has pursued his interests.”
We wish the best of luck to Nevin and the rest of the York students who are hoping to pursue an art like Bharatanatyam.
Gabby Palomino is a senior at York, and this is her first year on the York-hi staff. After high school, she aspires to study fashion merchandising and...
