
As seen: Times of India, Channel Canada, Luminato Festival, Toronto Star, Breakfast Television, CHCH TV
1) How does dance help you with your body-confidence?

The beautiful thing about an impulsive soul reaction is that it has nothing to do with what we look like, and has everything to do with what we feel. Over the years I have experienced different opinions on what my relationship with dance should look like. Younger years, “You should put on some weight.” Teen years “Oh you’re hips are a bit wide, you have a thin upper body, very good.” Postpartum “Oh good for you you’ve decided to keep the baby weight.”
I reached a stage in my late 20’s when I knew I had to block voices out because dance is my space, it always has been. It’s the place where my roots are planted, and where I flourish and fall with the seasons. Dance is my safe space and I decided to start holding space for students of all ages, sizes, and soul journeys to do the same. When students come to me, I do not assess their physical ability but more so I learn more about where they are in their lives and psychologically so that I can support their journey and help them build their own relationships with their movement and dance.
2) How have you been able to manage your career after marriage and having a kid?

Keeping up with my career post marriage and motherhood, it has its days. Days of exhaustion, days of inspiration, days of productivity, days – off. There are things I know I want to accomplish in my life, motherhood, marriage is some of them, and the other things I’ve wished to accomplish in my life will come in phases. Motherhood and especially early years are going to be a different type of experience than when my son is 15 years old, with his friends, and interests, and hobbies. Now as a 1-year-old, I am leaning into this time with him, because it’s not just a day to day list of things to do, it’s nourishing his soul, my soul and what we experience now is what will be there to express, to feel, to release, to be grateful for in my older days when I look back, something that will ultimately come out in my art. Thinking as this keeps me connected to the reality of time, that this is my time, these are the things I have wished for and I have them. This is also how I feel about my body, in the last 4 years, my body has gone through so much. Pain, pain medication, pelvic floor damage I’ve been in the emergency room 13 times one summer, I’ve lost weight, gained it, had a baby, I’ve received a Celiac Disease diagnosis, still have the post-partum weight that I am carrying. I told myself, after my diagnosis to give my body a break.

3) How do you think brown women can maintain their culture and their roots through the arts?

4) Many women are shy to dance because there is a myth that dancers are supposed to be a certain size or age. What are your thoughts about that?

5) Dancing for passion is one thing and building a reputable brand like yours is another thing. What are your secrets to building your brand and career?

Staying connected to the source of my service, reminding myself that there are no two artists the same, and while I may not be for everybody, the reminder that this voice and vision is definitely for many who need this space and service has allowed me to cultivate a community that is inspired, shifting & growing.
Reshmi Chetram
Creative Director
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Follow us at @msbrownplus
Interviewed by Sumu Sathi
Edited by Sharmila Sivasankaran
Email us at info@msbrownplus.com, if you would like to nominate someone to be featured.
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