Over the last two days, dancers all over Malaysia had the opportunity to learn from Alexander Noel Janam, who is one of India’s most recognized dance choreographers. Through his Asia Tour workshops, which started in Singapore on 23rd and 24th May 2026, and his Malaysia workshop held yesterday 29th May and today 30th May 2026, participants were introduced not only to movement but also to passion, culture and storytelling that is Noel’s vision.
Many people know him from his viral choreography of Masala Coffee’s “Kaantha”, his success was not built overnight. Behind workshops, viral dance videos and millions of views, there is a story of self-belief and choosing passion over family expectations.
Dance Was Never Part of the Plan
Today, everyone watches Noel’s choreography, but growing up, dance was not a serious career option in his family. Born in Kerala, Kottayam district and raised in Gujarat, Noel came from a family that loved and valued stable career paths. His father wanted him to be a IAS Officer.
All of it changed when he watched dancer Dharmesh Yelande perform on a reality show “Dance India Dance”. For the first time, Noel found a way to express himself.
Pursuing dance was not easy, like many artists, he was told that dance does not secure the future. While studying engineering, he balanced academics, UPSC preparations, and dance whenever he could, holding to the dream that many people around him struggled to understand.
Taking A Step of Faith
Noel was sure he wanted to pursue dance professionally, and he eventually moved to Mumbai despite having no formal dance training. His first audition for “India’s Got Talent” ended with disappointment. Then he continued to push forward, believing in himself.
A turning point was when he reached the Finals of “Dance Plus Season 5” in 2020. The experience gave him a exposure and people recognized his talent.
The Decision That Changed Everything
Just as Noel’s opportunities were opening, the pandemic brought everything back to square one. Everyone’s work disappeared, and things were uncertain. By 2023, Noel got a visa to Canada and was preparing a practical alternative as he struggled to see a future in dance. Before leaving, Noel decided to conduct a few dance workshops. That choice changed his life.
One of the video went viral, and soon another video went viral. Soon dance studios field up, followed with invitations from different cities. Through teaching, Noel found he had found the reason he had started dancing.
The Story Behind Kaantha
Among Noel’s choreographies, “Kaantha” was the first audience captured. The traditional folk-inspired track by Masala Coffee celebrates Kerala’s Thrissur Pooram festival, and has been loved by listeners after it’s release. When Noel was finding for a Malayalam song to choreograph, one of his friend played him “Kaantha” track.
For Noel, the song represented Kerala’s culture, traditions and energy of Thrissur Pooram. As he has attended the festival himself, he was excited to share the experience with the audience. He spend time researching the song’s background and dance styles which would be best for the cultural roots. The final steps had elements of Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, and Koikottikali, and his own dance styles.
Bringing Dancers Together In Malaysia
Noel’s ability to mix dance, culture and storytelling was also shown in his workshops in Malaysia. The first session was yesterday and it brought a large group of dancers and dance enthusiast to learn from the choreographer.
The second workshop is happening today and has received overwhelming response, with most of the slots sold out. This reflects the growing interest among Malaysian dancers to learn from international choreographers. For many people, the workshop is more than a chance to learn new moves. It became a space where people from different backgrounds come together and shared love for dance.
Sources: The Hindu, The Better India
