On our 4th bday, we look back through the eyes of our very first student – Saachi!! Saachi enrolled when we opened on 24 Oct 2016.
4 years on, she continues to dance with her Studio J fam. “What can I say, I’m very loyal!” (laughs heartily):
What brought you to Studio J?
Dance has always been part of my life. My mum was a Bharatanatyam dancer & she’s my inspiration. I saw an ad for Studio J’s free trial, so my sister & I went. We tried Ida’s Bolly-Kathak & signed up. The vibe of the studio was so nice. It was non-judgmental & felt like a safe space for us to dance freely. Since then, I’ve tried lots of different styles – Bhangra, Bolly-Natyam, Bolly-HipHop, Kandyan, & during lockdown I’ve been doing Bolly-Heels! I just love the wide range of classes.
Is the heels class bringing out your inner diva?
It is!!! Even though it’s over zoom at the moment, it’s really fun and its really nice to feel sexy in your own home. It’s bringing out a different side of me which has been tucked away for a while, but I’m absolutely loving it.
Studio J also choreographed for your wedding right?
Yes!! Josh choreographed our bridal dance, & Ida our sangeet. It was very special. After our wedding, my husband & I joined South Indian Street dance. It was so much fun to do as a couple. In fact, Harith was even more into it than me. It felt great having him share one of my interests. And the class video came out awesome!
How was your 2019 showcase experience?
Is the heels class bringing out your inner diva?
It is!!! Even though it’s over zoom at the moment, it’s really fun and its really nice to feel sexy in your own home. It’s bringing out a different side of me which has been tucked away for a while, but I’m absolutely loving it.
What was your feeling when the classes went online?
My first reaction was that this is amazing. Thank goodness that it can be transferred online. Even if we can’t come into the studio, at least we can do it at home, and we still have that community. I was really happy. I think you guys did an amazing job of making that transition. As hard as it must have been, I’m sure it was a blessing for everyone who has participated in the online zoom sessions.
What’s it like, being part of the studio for 4 years now?
When I entered Studio J on my first day in 2016, I didn’t even realize that it was a brand-new business. It opened with a bang and it has only gotten better. It’s been really special as a dancer, as a student, and as member of the arts community to be part of something so amazing.
Also, some really beautiful friendships have come out of Studio J for me. I have a friend in my 5km radius at the moment, who is someone I met at the studio. So even though I can’t see my own family, I have all these beautiful people that I can meet, all because of this common connection. I feel really lucky to have experienced all these things. I would recommend Studio J to everyone!
Thank you so much Saachi! Wishing you & our entire dance fam a very happy 4th birthday 🥂
Interviewed by Joshinder Chaggar
24 October 2020