Passions are often confused with hobbies, but for dancer Arya Balakrishnan the passion emerged from a hobby. And now, this passion has transformed into a profession for her. Dancing as a profession is at times hard to follow, especially if one has to pursue normal careers. But some like Arya are determined to realise their artistic dreams by daring to live their dream.
When Onmanorama caught up with the dancer, she was on a roll with back-to-back stage shows and programmes in Dubai. Arya is often identified with her dancing club named Studio 19. Based in Sharjah, the dance school was established by Arya and her friend Sanam to promote all types of dance forms including hip-hop, Zumba and aerobics.
The fitness hub
Google up and one would get to see various dance videos on her YouTube pages along with a bunch of ladies behind.
“Studio 19 was my life-time dream. I started it with my best friend Sanam. After marriage, I had settled down in Dubai. But even then dance was something inevitable in life. I came across many mothers and housewives who had all their time for their families, but least concerned about taking care of themselves. I had always wanted to start a dance studio but when I found that the need was for such women, Sanam and I decided to spread the knowledge about what we learnt,” said Arya.
Arya had already made a mark with her performances on Mazhavil Manorama's dance reality show 'D4 Dance'.
Surprising fandom
“D4 was my stepping stone.The fame and training I got through the platform of D4 is going to help me forever,” she hoped.
Arya recalled an incident in this context. “I was identified with the show while in Kerala but I never had a clue that the show had large followers in Dubai too. When I was admitted to a hospital for delivery there, several nurses and doctors would come and ask me if I had performed in D4. Their love and respect was heart-warming. All thanks to the show,” she noted.
The dancer is still in touch with the judges of the show – actress Priyamani, Prasanna master and Neerav Bavlecha. “Neerav is very friendly. We do shows together in UAE. For me, they were not just the judges, but rather family. I share an amazing bond with the whole D4 crew as well. They give us good ideas and techniques to improve dancing styles.”
Family is everything
All said, Arya owes everything to her family. “I have a two-and-a-half-year-old son, Aum. Sometimes I have 4-5 shows and rehearsals over the week. My husband Vishnu is my support system. When people ask me how as a woman I take up everything and face challenges in a career like this, I would reply all thanks to my happy family. For a woman, having a happy family, half of the problems are solved. I am really blessed to have got a very motivating husband and in-laws.”
Ask about her role models and Arya picks her Amma. “Apart from her, all dancers have inspired me a lot. All human beings with any of their positive quality have inspired me to be like that," Arya said.
The final word
The studio promotes dances that help one to remain fit. “I have seen many women hiding between the walls after marriage. I believe a woman needs to have self-respect and live for oneself first. Only then can they make their home a heaven. Always try to live your life to the fullest.”
As a Zumba instructor she has one more word, “Take proper care of your health. Being a mother doesn't mean to have a unhealthy body. Exercise well and have a proper diet and thus be healthy forever for your family.”
Before winding up, we ask, if ever she got plans to step into the movie industry and she concluded, “I would, if it's a good role. Especially if it's something related to dance, would definitely love to.”
