Now, this, is Magic!

Jo meri zulfon se khele re. Baahon mein mujh ko le le re. Aisa hai koi dil wala re. Aisa Jadoo daala re!

A dusky dawn, this magic is so strong.

Oh, he can play with my hair and take me in his arms,

But when I turn my gaze on him, him, or him, his game is lost because,

I’M the boss!

Ha-ha! This character is really something. I don’t know what the lyrics mean because I don’t speak Hindi, but when Shalini shares this poem with me, which translates the spirit of the song if not the words, and tells me, “Ok, let’s channel Jadoo now, the woman of magic, the one who is so sexy she drives the world crazy”, I know just whose shoes I’m getting into!

I stand on tiptoe and pull my body straight so I stand even taller and fan my palm open in front of my face, turning it into my own mask of mystery. When the percussion beats punctured with the sound of sirens start, I’m SO ready to shimmy my way to front stage! And, when the time comes at the end of 16 counts to rip the mask of mystery apart and unveil my femininity, with the big jump, to the world…Now, we’re talking!

What brought me to the dance floor? Well, it’s something that instantly de-stresses me and makes me feel good. I feel happier and looser when I leave than when I arrive! What more reason do I need?

But, seriously, as a business woman and a female professional in a fast-paced and demanding industry, there are attributes I need to constantly focus on when I’m in my workplace. Just like overuse of a muscle can lead to injury, such one minded focus can injure by limiting access to other, more nurturing emotions.

Dance allows me to give full reign to the rest of my attributes, allows me to access all the other emotions and movements that round out my daily experience of life.

Getting into the groove on the dance floor!

I find that movement and work with the body opens channels of self-awareness. Music has a huge impact on our feeling well and happiness. Bollywood music? No need to even ask, it seems to be uplifting by nature. Even if they’re singing about, oh, she broke my heart and now it’s raining on me! Always upbeat. I love this music. I have a deep love for India and have visited the country many times, investing time and emotions into getting to know the land, the culture and the people there. I have spent time learning yoga and even certifying as an instructor. When I come to the Bollywood dance floor, it feels like a quick-access to India, a fun and very active one. I very much perceive it as a female way to experience the creative spirit of India.

After having danced for more than three years now, I can tell someone who is facing challenges in their life, whether a divorce or health issues, that dance really helps you find your self confidence in a safe space. It starts to bring forth a consciousness of what life is really about. And, the other women you meet on this journey will laugh with you at the hard parts on the dance floor and become your sisters-in-dance!