Namaste Masala Bhangra community!
I hope your summer is off to a great start! This week, I had the chance to talk to a student and hear about the impact Masala Bhangra had on him. I have to say that i am blown away by his experience! Read all about it below!
How did you first hear about Masala Bhangra?
“Masala Bhangra was one of many introductory dance classes I tried at Alvin Ailey. I had always known that Bhangra was an exceptionally energetic and fun dance style, but I was still nervous to try it because I’d never done it before.”
Can you describe your first Masala Bhangra class experience? What were your impressions of the dance movements and the overall atmosphere?
“I remember my first moments in class being extremely nervous. That was, until the warmup began. Sarina embodies the joy of movement, and letting go, and it takes hold of you the SECOND class begins. I started smiling uncontrollably. Dancing the first moves, I remember thinking how good they felt in my body. I felt a happiness and energy that was so foreign to me while living in New York City, and I remember thinking “Wow, this is the best I’ve felt in a really long time.”
How has Masala Bhangra impacted your physical fitness and overall well-being since you started attending classes?
“This is gonna sound weird but in the Marines they have this saying, ‘Pain is weakness leaving the body’, and I never understood that until I tried Masala Bhangra. I began using my entire body in ways I don’t get to in everyday life. But once you start you never want to stop. Bhangra encouraged me to push past the point of giving up because I wanted to become a better dancer! I wanted to keep moving! And it’s so rewarding to know that you’re building strength, while having a tremendous time doing so. I feel significantly more fit and more comfortable in my body since beginning Masala Bhangra.”
What is your favorite aspect of Masala Bhangra, and why do you think it stands out compared to other fitness programs you may have tried?
“In my eyes, Masala Bhangra isn’t a fitness program, it’s dance! But it treats itself like a fitness program, and in doing so, amplifies the dance to an incredibly enjoyable level! We don’t pause, we don’t sit and critique, we just move! Not by doing bicep curls and squats, but by dynamic invigorating moves that make your body feel good! Masala Bhangra really strikes the Goldilocks Zone between being incredibly good for you and incredibly fun. With all due respect to fitness programs around the city, we’re burning just as many calories as you, and having a much more fun time doing it!”
Can you share a specific moment or experience during a Masala Bhangra class that was particularly memorable or transformative for you?
“Yes! Surprisingly enough my favorite memory was not dance related. It was during the summer workshop. Usually I come with my sister, but she was in Miami so I felt a little nervous going alone. All the dancers were standing in a circle before class, talking and joking around, and it hit me like a ton of bricks: This is my community! These are my people and I have a place among them. To feel like a part of something bigger is so special to me and I haven’t forgotten that feeling ever since.”
What would you say to someone who is hesitant to try Masala Bhangra? How would you encourage them to give it a shot?
“It’s not for everyone, that’s the truth. If you have two left feet or dance has never interested you, you probably won’t like it (although I’m sure Sarina would tell you otherwise). But if you even slightly enjoy moving your body, just try it! Because you’re not likely to find something more enjoyable anywhere around the world. I’ve said it before but I’ll put it here in writing: MASALA BHANGRA IS THE MOST FUN I’VE EVER HAD IN NEW YORK CITY."
In what ways has Masala Bhangra influenced other areas of your life, such as your confidence, social interactions, or cultural appreciation?
“When you spend enough time dancing, and appreciating the sensation of it, you realize that you’re always dancing! When you walk to work, fold your laundry, or talk with a friend, you’re dancing! That’s because you’re moving your body, responding to sounds and stimuli, and learning what feels good. Masala Bhangra taught me to take joy not just in the cultural masterpiece that is Bhangra, but all forms of movement, and finding ways to enjoy them by doing them beautifully.”
After sharing Kenan's story, how can you not be inspired?!!! If you wish to attend a class, Sarina Jain is teaching this Saturday in New York! Click here for details!
Until next time, have an amazing week ahead!
Aditi - Masala Bhangra intern
