It’s to “IN-joy” being in your body and in your life...whatever your life looks like and what you are driven by.
Offerings:
Meditation: Meditation Club launching in Downtown Dubai soon. For those wanting to explore meditation, learn practical and applicable techniques, share and feedback and feel supported in their eternal quest for self development and spiritual growth. Meditating can feel a bit intimidating, “fluffy”, hard to find the time time to do, commit to or practise alone. Meditating in a group not only supports one to develop in this practise and build a new lifestyle habit but the very nature of meditating as a collective creates a conducive environment for meditation as well.
Meditation is a life practise, a journey, an intuitive habit which constantly evolves and changes over time. It’s your go to place for everything. To calm thoughts, the nervous system, breathe, self soothe anxiety and overwhelm, to check in, reflect/ introspect, manifest, release emotions, create, make decisions.
Most importantly it is to listen, observe and get to know your higher wisdom, feel a sense of whole. Meditation is truly the only place where you can feel completely safe, open, vulnerable to your own self and show up unconditionally without goals, conditions and judgement.
In the rapidly evolving world, filled with pace and information, it becomes vital to up our self care and connection to self. Meditation creates a benchmark for heightened self awareness, self management and continued multi-dimensional living as you go about your day.
Yoga: In Dubai: 1-2-1 bespoke sessions, private groups, corporate Yoga including wellness events, presentations and workshops.
I teach regular weekly classes for those who are interested in a bespoke, personalised and meaningful all rounded practise, outside of a regular Yoga studio. Those who are seeking an integrated, Mindful Yoga practise which balances meditation, Yoga asana and self awareness.
My teaching elements include tools such as Pranayama, various Meditation techniques, Mindfulness and Mindful Movement, Breathing techniques for lifestyle enhancement and anxiety, Deep relaxation/ restorative practises, Sound, Mantras, Chakras, Visualisation, Expression, Affirmations and self development. Fitness has paid a big role in my performance and dance objectives, still a regular habit, so I leverage skills learned here too.
I love offering a space for people to explore their bodies and sense of self through body mechanics, gravity, opposing forces, proprioception, introception, mindset and reflection exercises; helping them to discover what it feels like when everything is switched on, accessible, working together in tandem.
I share my love for practising outdoors through “Yoga in the Park” classes in London during warmer seasons, soon enough in Dubai. I used to run Yoga Sunday Special events including the exciting “Yoga Brunch Club NW London” bringing community and like-minded foodies together in London. This will resume in Dubai soon!
Movement: Yoga Dance A unique class intended for those who simply love to Dance AND do Yoga. An opportunity to develop your skills and abilities. Open up your body and feel fit whilst achieving a complete mind, body, spirit practise. The principles of this class are influenced by the diversity of the traditional form of Kathak dance and Yoga, which are brought into a contemporary context. Expect an incorporation of Yoga, Meditation, Breath-work and natural movement, with a handpicked variety of inspiring global music. Launching soon in Dubai!
Kathak Dance (Classical and Contemporary): A class for training in a disciplined yet highly expressive form of Indian Classical dance. A multi-skilled and enriching art form which can uplift your lifestyle with regular practise. Intricate rhythmic patterns, ankle bells (ghungroo), dance compositions and expressive storytelling (mythological and creative) anchored in technique training and drills in footwork, body movements and pirouettes. Expect an incorporation of Mindful Yoga, Meditation, Breathwork and fitness inspired strength and conditioning technique to enhance the dancer's development. Contemporary routines will also be explored. Launching soon in Dubai!
Professional performances/Workshops: Special occasions, wellness events, festivals, corporate bookings, artistic projects. Kathak, Semi-classical and contemporary choreography.
Community Projects: Hospitals, Special Children (differently abled), Adult Community centres, Alzheimers/ Dementia. Drawing upon Yoga, Breathing, dance movement, music and use of props to interact and engage.
Read more about my teaching style, philosophy, offerings for Yoga and Meditation here.
As Kathak dance, an art form is more unique and perhaps unheard of I will share more about all things Kathak and a bit about my background and training here...
A bit about....
//me and my background
A 2003 Economics graduate, fell into the world of banking but since as young I can remember was always drawn to activities which would embody spirit, depth, purpose.
dancing since the age of 6 years. 9 years of folk dance, a phase of Bhangra training and 2 years performing professionally with Bollywood companies later, intuition kicked in and was seeking classical Indian dance for intelligent form, mastery and discipline.
2005 turned up to observe Pratap Pawar’s Kathak class and sat in awe for four hours! An unforgettable experience. The bells, rhythm, geometry, spins...the mastery and command...elegance and execution...it was all a bit unreal as it felt a bit familiar…
Travelled to India for 5 months engaging in charity work but got massively ill, had an op and had to return...returned with an unfulfilled desire to meditate.
2006 OCN Place2Be Foundation Course in Counselling skills for working with children; 9 months training exploring the use of play and creative arts within a therapeutic context.
2006 onwards my relationship with Kathak and Yoga took off. I was in focused and in depth training in Kathak and Yoga by Padmashri Pratap Pawar of Triveni Dance Company and Neil Patel of Chi Kri Yoga respectively, kept me focused, contained and nourished on all necessary levels of mind, body, spirit. Never looked back since!
Yoga training included Mind-Yoga, Yogic science, philosophy, Pranayama (breathing techniques), asana (postures)...basically the complete whole Yoga!
I love to organically embody and interweave the Kathak-Yoga-Meditation relationship, and a “stillness through movement" philosophy into my practise, teaching and lifestyle. They work in unison to bring all aspects of ourselves into play.
My daily practise in Yoga, Meditation, breathing is my sacred space for navigating through life, bringing my active mind and sensitive heart some peace. I’m into fitness training, healthy eating and exploring creative ways to support my lifestyle, ambitions, achieve balance and be “fit to dance and fit for life”
I like to keep my practise and knowledge inspired by my own self-experience and continuous learning from a variety of wonderful teachers such as Jo Manuel, completing my training in “Special Yoga for special children” (differently abled kids), Ayala Homossany of “Enchanted Yoga”, who takes an innovative approach to Yoga teaching children and families using self-expression, creativity and imagination to encourage her students to appreciate themselves and find their own inner voice.
//Few highlights:
London’s annual Om Yoga show and mind, body, soul exhibitions for 4 years. Live performances and workshops.
Akademi South Asian Dance Company as an artist and education officer devising community learning projects.
Worked with well known Kids Company as a key worker, mentor and yoga/dance facilitator.
Toured India with her Guru, Padmashri Pratap Pawar
Worked on a London Olympics/Paralympics Synchronised Swimming-Kathak project with Balbir Singh Dance Company
Choreographed hip hop-kathak-yoga works
Performed in ‘Resolution!’ at The Place, 2009
various independent projects for London and India based charities.
//Most memorable milestone:
Two hour live recital in 2011. Journey unravelled to become Guru’s third student during his 65 years of teaching to stage my debut graduation “Rangmanch Pravesh” on stage. The first student was Akram Khan, one of the most internationally respected dance artists today, and Balbir Singh, renowned as an “intellectual daring of a master choreographer”..
Rangmanch Pravesh “entry to stage” is a custom where the Guru presents his/her disciple in their first full solo performance of a full dance repertoire presented in traditional format collaborating with a team of live musicians, displaying the various aspects of the art form and exemplifies the qualities of her Guru’s teaching. It represents the arrival and readiness as a professional solo Kathak dancer...however “it is never the end, only the beginning as Kathak is a vast ocean. You never stop learning” - Guru Pratap Pawar. Check out the video trailer on my page!
//teaching intentions and lineage:
To share the authentic and classical Kathak training and legacy of my Guru’s teaching (Padmashri Pratap Pawar - first disciple of Pandit Birju Maharaj) with the next generation of budding talent and current enthusiasts...individuals who have a committed desire to embark on a journey to explore the depth and mastery of the beautiful form.
I have been fortunate to experience a solid standard of training over the last 10 years. My Guru started his Kathak journey in 1957 so has been exposed to the authentic roots of the form and the way in which it was traditionally practised, advocated and delivered; a generation where Kathak flourished to high standards of value and mastery. This also means has collaborated and performed with renowned legends within the music and dance scene which I always find fascinating!
During my training I would say my Guru has been a special bridge between a magical time in history and the present; recounting fond stories, characters and bringing the legacy of Kathak to life, imparting first hand knowledge, experience and views on what Kathak is in its purest form. I recognise this has enabled me to receive exposure to the past...in the present.
There is a meaningful cause to preserve this string between history and the future, help the knowledge support and flow out to others as we move into the next generation. I am a student of the art form as it’s a lifelong journey, always practising and learning but my aim is to humbly take steps to do carry the form forward.
//you are never “too old” to learn!
Experience has shown me that learning a classical form has nothing to do with age but more to do with passion, practise and dedication. It’s never too late, you are never too old to learn so long as you have the patience, receptivity and persistence to nurture your desire. I started at the age of 22/23. Age is nothing, spirit is everything :)
//the approach
My teaching style follows a classical style of training where you can expect to develop a continuous practise of footwork and movement technique amongst learning Kathak repertoire, expression, presentation and recitation (in Kathak we recite the rhythms translating tabla (Indian drum) syllables into dance syllables. Its a new language to enjoy learning!).
However, I draw upon various techniques and tools from yoga, meditation, breathing, fitness, imagery and self-expression that I personally use and have found highly complementary and effective in enhancing the quality of my form.
We will bring in the element of training with live tabla regularly...I adore dancing live with tabla, it adds another whole experience and layer of mastery to learn how to deal with the elements of uncertainty and be able to hold the space. Live Kathak is the traditional way of performing and learning.
ISTD Kathak Exams: Yes! Not compulsary at all as does not impact your learning but there is the option to take Kathak exams. Read here
I like to work creatively meeting my “tribe” where they are at and keep them engaged, having fun whilst working hard :)
“Every individual is unique, with their own strengths and challenges that equally require celebrating and developing. For that reason, no two dancers are the same and so we must find and celebrate our own true authenticity as well as others around us”.
I have experienced that practising a rich, disciplined and highly artistic form such as Kathak has the ability to transform body, mind and soul.
//Some of the many benefits:
As mentioned, all encompassing mind, body, soul nourishing
Self-mastery and discipline.
Balance, co-ordination and spacial awareness.
Presentation skills, expression and confidence (you learn the form as a solo artist so you own your form, progress and presentation as you render and present your compositions verbally)
Poise, grace, posture and alignment.
Mental sharpness, focus and concentration (the rhythms and precision is such)
...to name a few!
//Rewind...I want to learn more about Kathak?
Kathak is an intelligent system which naturally sharpens the mind and develops mindfulness, focus and confidence. The training is first and foremost geared towards presenting and performing repertoire, discovering yourself and your personality as a solo artist and then learning how to adapt and work as a team for group pieces.
Read here for a brief description of Kathak...the technique entailed, the style and history.
//A few Tasty-monials
“I really enjoy watching you hold space for others. I felt much presence, authenticity and service in your work.” - Ajay Rajani of 5rhythms at mind, body, spirit festival London 2017
“I approached Neesha with an out the ordinary request to help raise funds for my children’s school. It was to put on a kathak experiential workshop for kids and an adult workshop followed by a Kathak performance. Neesha took on the challenge with an open mind and enthusiasm that was truly evident on both occasions. She had the children totally engaged in the workshop and the adults could not get enough . She has a very attractive energy and radiates peace and calmness as she enters and engages with people. Neesha and her team of dancers delivered a most enthralling outstanding show. If you truly want a show with a difference and would be a hit I would highly recommend Neesha” - Kastur Pindolia Class5 representative at Rudolph steiner school kings langley 2009/10
“Many many congratulations on a breathtaking 'Rangmanch Pravesh' last night! It was really inspiring to watch you perform so gracefully with perfectly sharp poses. When you did the 'nayika' (3 moods of the heroine), it was soo beautiful, that I had tears in my eyes. What is even more beautiful is the fact that you've worked so hard and yet are so humble about it” - Rangmanch Pravesh review, 2011
//Yoga approach
Neesha’s yoga style reflects a melting pot of her years of practise in and around her experience in Dance, Yoga, Meditation, breathwork and fitness since 2008 to date. She is passionate about “facilitating” and believes in a client-led approach rather than teaching, meaning that she likes to meet the group or individual where they are at; restorative or more dynamic, playful or more focused...all are equally purposeful. She will be available to switch gears when she feels you need it even if it may be not what you think you want!
A yoga practise with Neesha is mindful, integrating movement, meditation, breathing techniques and conscious relaxation. Yoga postures are intuitively sequenced with attention to alignment, transitions and breath vs movement synchronisation. Meet any resistances with comfort and ease; compassion and positive challenge, choosing curiosity over judgment.
“Yoga is Yoga; we can’t get too caught up in the names and styles that continue to seep into the market today. The aim is to simply vary our approach to our practise according to what we need on any given day. Yoga is far, far more than the body. An authentic class will imbibe the 8 limbs of yoga, the various elements of the system in some way or another but ultimately if you have left a class feeling positively different to when you started then you are in the right place. We are unique so our experiences will be different but something along the lines of finding peace, stillness, a release, feeling calm, relaxed, centred, grounded.
Over time a practise can support you to find space and detach away from thoughts, feelings and moods. You discover a greater sense of fulfillment, even- mindedness and increased awareness
to sense where you are in your own wellness scale and better navigate your way through the expected ups and downs...experiencing the “bigger picture” and higher purpose first hand...feeling you are home...this is all Yoga but it unfolds and creeps into your life ever so subtly and gently. Non-invasive and natural.”
