Body

“Dance helps me maintain my slender, agile figure and keeps me fit mentally, physically and spiritually, I am indeed very lucky that an activity that is my hobby and makes me happy, also keeps me fit.

For me dance is the best way to remain fit in all ways. Dance gives me the desired physical fitness results. It is a great cardio vascular activity that also gives me flexibility, muscle strength and endurance, apart from the fact that that it keeps me active and agile too.

All this enormous energy demands a good and strict diet. My diet is usually very healthy. I wake up at 7.30am. I begin my day with warm water and some dried fruits. At 8 am, I have a bowl full of fruits like papaya, muskmelon and watermelon. By 9.30 it is breakfast time, which consists of four egg whites, boiled chicken and one roti, lunch at 12 or 12.30 consists of dal, roti / rice, a vegetable, boiled chicken, curds and salad. Mid-evening before my dance classes, I have a bowl full of fruits again just like morning and dinner is with chicken soup, dal, a vegetable and curds. I avoid roti or rice for dinner and try to keep it light since dinner is mostly late due to my dance classes. Ah! I must confess, I am a chocoholic and I love dark chocolates. I try to avoid them as much as I can but I do give in to the temptation twice a week.

Mind

Dance is like meditation and helps me stay mentally fit too. The music and the movements are a great way in which I can express myself and this expression keeps me mentally alive and stable. The relaxation of the mind that I derive from dance is immense. I forget all my tensions when I dance because the music and dance steps push aside all my fears and worries for that time, and by the time the dance is over, the problems are fully out of my head, making me feel fresh and energetic.

How do I handle stress? I admit to being a very happy-go-lucky kind of a person. I do not get stressed out often and dance helps me not to take it either. But yes, sometime I do get worked up and the best way I have found to get over it is to spend more time with my wife and child. Family is a great stress buster. Children are so wonderful and happy that they teach you so much about life and my wife is my best friend. I can talk to her about everything and she is always there to give me good advice and keep me positive. And if my work is giving me the so-called stress then I keep it aside and go on a short holiday with my family.

From a very young age I have indulged in several hobbies. During school days I did make-up, hair styling, fashion designing and fitness courses and even worked part time in these fields. But today, my latest desire is to learn martial arts. I have been practicing a Filipino art form called ‘Arnis’. This form is done with two bamboo- like sticks and is a superb way to build strength and defend oneself too. When you learn something new, it is good for you because it keeps you alert.

For me, dance a great way to relax and if I am not dancing then I love to have a cosy candle light dinner with family on the sea-facing balcony of my house. I do not like going for movies but my wife got me started and now I find it a great way to unwind too. I love watching plays too and you can often see me chilling out at theatres. However the best way to relax is the fun zone with my child. Playing all the ‘kiddie’ games with my son brings out my childhood and dispels all the anxiety. 

Spirit

Dance gives me an adrenalin rush and lends my spirit and soul a new life each time. When I have to perform or demonstrate, dance just elevates me and takes me to another world where I can only experience bliss and nothing else. This gives me a spiritual stimulation all the time. So dance gives me a physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. So as I glide gracefully on the dance floor, I grow stronger and fitter; physically, mentally and spiritually.”