Belly Dance Institute Mumbai by Ritambhara Sahni

Saturday, 2 July 2016

Ritambhara Sahni - About Me - My History - Belly Dance Institute Mumbai

My name is Ritambhara Sahni
i am born in and belong to the my city of dreams - Mumbai.
Dance has been my passion ever since i stood on my two feet and i started learning and performing professionally from the age of 6 years.
And so i have studied various free style dance forms in India as well as abroad ever since and here goes my story with dance.....

As destiny would have it, I, Ritambhara Sahni was born into an inspiring family that was deeply entwined in the performing arts. My mother, Shrimati Indu Suresh Sahni was the prime voice and the leading announcer behind the mikes of the All India Radio while my aunt, Jyoti Sharma, was a noteworthy actress especially in the Gujarati theater. So, i too had naturally found an inclination towards performing arts which my mother supported. With all due credit, she laid out several platforms to perform and encouraged me to pursue all the dances i desired to learn, noticing with a keen eye that I had a passion for the dancing realm and gave me various performance opportunities in various events back then.

Ritambhara Sahni's Mother - Shrimati Indu Sahni - All India Radio -Head announcer

Very early on, i had gotten the opportunity to work alongside Sabira Merchant in a play called ‘the chameleon’ which was aired on the radio several times. Apart from working as a child artist and giving my voice on the radio, i had also interviewed several celebrities. Known to have a beautiful voice, i had done many voice overs, dubbing and a lot of work on the radio as a child artist.
Being the youngest, there was a wide age gap between my brother and me. But i had begun to work early on and realized i enjoyed working! I was versatile with a talent for singing, dancing, voice overs, dubbing and acting. Entertaining and mimicry came naturally to me and I loved the spotlights on me. My parents let me be who i chose to be and i chose to be an achiever. With an earnest tenacity i desired to excel and continue to be self reliant, independent and hard working. I might have only been 6, but i knew this was my path and i would take the challenges on the trodden path go meet my envisioned goals.

I had a dream. A dream to break all parameters and excel beyond expectations. The desire to reach out and impact as many lives as i possibly could through my dance was so intense that i found myself choreographing and directing dance sequences for my school. I soon found myself taking it a step further and managing dance events for several schools and colleges. Through the window of opportunities, i worked with various immensely talented choreographers from India as well as abroad for several events in varied dance forms like jazz, rock n roll, contemporary and Bollywood. I worked with choreographers like Santosh Shetty and Sandeep Soi in musical plays as well as appeared as a supporting actress for Dr. Yusuf Merchants musical play, Bekaraar, a theme set against drugs.

During the late 80’s and early 90’s dance as a profession was questioned but that didn't deter me and never shifted my focus from dance. Though i did pass a CA course and graduated as a law student, I continued to hold private dance classes and choreograph dance sequences for colleges and corporate events. I also shared my love through dance in charity events for YWCA and the Rotaract club of mumbai. I worked ceaselessly and also judged dance performances for college events where i studied. I had achieved a lot by the time i had touched my 20’s and dance had become the air I breathed and a way of life I leaded. I also won the all rounder award in my college H.R. college of commerce and economics and brought a lot of glory to my college in the field of performing arts and sports.

My father paved the way for my future, encouraging me to follow my dreams and study extensively in the field of dance. And so I packed my bags and set off to the homes i was blessed with in America and Europe to begin a formal education in urban hip hop, jazz, flamenco, contemporary, tap dance, Bollywood and belly dance. With ambition as my guiding force and armed with extensive knowledge, i returned to Mumbai and ceaselessly worked towards creating Ritambhara Sahni as a brand name in Mumbai's art fraternity by establishing
Ritambhara Sahni's institute for the performing arts in 1996 where I taught the dance forms I had formally learnt. After mastering all the techniques and genres of belly dance I soon after established - belly dance institute Mumbai by Ritambhara Sahni in 2005. The institutes have been going strong ever since and teaching dance has strengthened as a passion over time.

Ritambhara Sahni with her team members at Ritambhara Sahni's Institute for the performing arts

belly dance institute Mumbai by Ritambhara Sahni

Ritambhara Sahni with her team memebers at Ritambhara Sahni's institute for the performing arts.

I simultaneously working in serials with Sunjoy Wadhwa who heads sphere origins [makers of Balika Vadhu], also worked in many mythological serials with Sagar arts and also worked with Ajay Shah productions and Karnik communications.

Ritambhara Sahni in Shaheen Serial for Ajay Shah Productions

Ritambhara Sahni in Alif Laila series for Sagar Arts

I was almost chosen as an RJ for radio mirchi but since I had my own institute it didn’t materialize. Well, I explored the multiple streams of the performances in and I succeeded because I put in my best foot forward. I have always believed that there is no ticket to success but it only is a reflection of hard work and persistence. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going, so obstacles have been my milestone and perseverance makes me not rest at being the best but being absolutely excellent in my endeavors.

I also started dance and fitness workouts at Qi gym and exert gym. I organised in house shows for my institute - Ritambhara Sahni's Institute For the Performing Arts caled 'June Hip Hop' and'Footloose" during the period 1998 to 2005. My write ups appeared in all leading publications between the years 2001 and 2005 where i had i could say that I reached the peak of my career. Post 2005 came a change in my life and i started to live with my father in the hospital as he was old and never use to keep well. However fighting strong, I continued Ritambhara sahni's Institute For the performing arts and never gave up on my father or my students. I also launched way back then Belly Dance Institute Mumbai by Ritambhara Sahni and also launched tap dance and flamenco in my institute for the performing arts.

Ritambhara Sahni's belly Dance Institute Mumbai

Ritambhara Sahni with her students when she launched Belly Dance Institute Mumbai by Ritamhara Sahni

I have been teaching dance professionally for 20 years now and belly dance specifically for 11 years. With a strong base in hip hop I was quick to master tribal belly dance and have my expanse of knowledge stretch from forms and fusions to the use of multiple props in belly dance. Knowledge is the result of a blazing passion that never makes the learning stop and after all these years the desire to learn every minute aspect of belly dance has only grown my knowledge a thousandfold. The knowledge is then volumnized to choreographing a dance sequence, teaching and then creating performing artists which becomes the experience of my years. The exhilarating art of dance consumes every part of my being to become a soulful dream and a beautiful reality.

Being a strong Hip Hop dancer , i can say that when i perform Hip Hop, i can conquer the world and when i perform belly dance i feel beautiful. However Tribal belly dance makes me feel powerful and beautiful as a woman.

Belly Dance Institute Mumbai by Ritambhara Sahni

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Review / Testimonial by Ritambhara Sahni's student

Throughout my years at Belly Dance Institute Mumbai, I have always looked up to my teacher - Ritambhara Sahni mam and her assistants as well as her team of instructors. I love the way the belly dance class is conducted at this amazing belly dance class in Mumbai. The belly dance instructors really care about you and the atmosphere is also so positive. Love belly dancing and i wear my belly dance belt i guess almost all the time at home , i guess sometimes i have even gone to sleep wearing it. Belly dance belts add magic to belly dance and i was looking for belly dance belts in Mumbai for a long time before joinng Ritambhara Sahni's belly dance institute Mumbai. i was so so glad to belly dance with my belly dance belt on day 1 of my belly dance class. I had hoped to become an assistant to Ritambhara Sahani mam when I was old enough. This wish came true when this past year I was given the opportunity by mam to become an assistant. Being an assistant was truly an amazing and uplifting experience for me, because I was able to learn so much about becoming a leader, taking initiative, using my voice, and being a role model just like my teacher - Ritambhara Sahni. Assisting also really helped me gain experience in working with females from all age groups. I have also learned from the institute about taking initiative and using my voice in order to help the students in turn. I have had an amazing year at this belly dance class in Mumbai and i do treat it now as my own belly dance class, and I have truly loved being an assistant and i wish to grow as one! I want to thank Belly dance institute Mumbai and its team of instructors for being wonderful teachers to me and for giving me the opportunity to assist this year.”
Aarshiya Khan

IN THE PRESS

Bombay Times- Belly Dance Institute Mumbai by Ritambhara Sahni - Belly Dance Your Way to a Flat Stomach by Ritambhara Sahni

Times Of India - idiva - Ritambhara Sahni - her article on Dance and its Health Benefits

Bombay Times - Ritambhara Sahni of Belly Dance Institute Mumbai - her article on Dance workouts that keep you Party Fit.

Ritambhara Sahni of Belly Dance Institute Mumbai - Her article in the Harmony Magazine article

Hindustan Times Article of Belly Dance Institute Mumbai by Ritambhara Sahni and Ritambhara

Sanhi

DNA News Article - Ritambhara Sahni of Belly Dance Institute Mumbai by Ritambhara Sahni - ARTICLE

Bombay times - Ritambhara Sahni of Belly Dance Institute Mumbai - her article on belly dance awareness

Mumbai mirror - Ritambhara Sahni - Belly Dance Institute Mumbai article.

Afternoon news paper - Ritambhara Sahni's Belly Dance Institute Mumbai - article

Bombay Times - Belly Dance Institute Mumbai By Ritambhara Sahni article on Belly Dance and Dandiya Fusion

All About Our Beginners Course - Belly Dance Institute Mumbai

Frequently Asked Questiona At Belly Dance Institute Mumbai by Ritambhara Sahni

Thursday, 17 March 2016

Belly Dance Institute Mumbai by Ritambhara Sahni on Health benefits on belly dancing

Belly Dance Institute Mumbai by Ritambhara Sahni

Ritambhara Sahni

Check out for 5 health benefits of

“BELLY DANCING”

Do watch this amazing drum solo video

Belly Dancing Aids Weight Control and Improves Self Image

Ritambhara Sahni belly dance

Belly dancing can have a positive impact on your weight, improving your self-image. If regularly, belly dancing can actually encourage weight loss, as it burns calories as well as increases your metabolic rate.

Belly dancers come in a variety of body types and sizes. Belly dancing will make you more aware of your posture, grace, body language and facial expressions, all helping to improve your self-image. If you attend a belly dancing class, you will probably see several different sizes of bodies, all just as beautiful as the others.

· Improved posture and muscle toning

Our spinal column contains more bones and ligaments than any other part of the body. Its 33 vertebrae are stacked together in a column joined together by cartilage and ligaments, and almost every movement of the torso depends upon its flexibility and function. Muscle groups that attach to the ligaments and vertebrae create movement in the trunk and pelvis areas. Raqs sharqi tones these muscles and maintains flexibility in a safe and effective manner.

Ritambhara Sahni

During the dance, the movements of hip drops, circles, figure eights, and shimmies put the joints and ligaments in the lower back and hip through a full range of gentle, repetitive motion. This movement helps increase the flow of synovial fluid (nature's lubricant) in these joints. When movements are done properly, the pelvis is tipped forward, or tucked somewhat; a neutral position that can help prevent lower back problems. Raqs sharqi can help relieve stress to the back, counteracting the almost constant compression of the disks that occurs from sitting and a sedentary lifestyle.

These toned muscles improve posture and help prevent back pain that can be caused by the unnatural curving forward of the spine that occurs when muscle groups are weak (lordosis). Small muscle groups deep in the back that are normally under-exercised are used and strengthened. The muscles surrounding the hip, the largest joint in the body, are used and exercised during hip drops, and figure eights, enhancing flexibility and suppleness. Improved hip flexibility can lead to improved balance when walking as well.

Arms and Shoulders are exercised when doing lifts, circles, or the rippling motions of snake arms, toning muscle. This toning effect is often evident early on, since holding the arms aloft are an important element of the dance, even for beginners.

Because a woman is on her feet, moving during the dance, it is considered a weight-bearing exercise. Weight-bearing exercise can prevent osteoporosis and strengthen bones, and the overall toning can lead to an improved self-image, as the dancer becomes more balanced and poised. Raqs sharqi is considered a low-impact exercise, meaning the risk of injury is minimal when movements are done correctly. The benefits of belly dance can be enjoyed by women of all ages; men and children are participating in the dance as well, and reaping the same benefits.

· Building the back muscles evenly

Belly dance institute Mumbai by Ritambhara Sahni

Belly-dancers use their torsos a lot-much more than ballet, modern or tap dancers. Only jazz dancers come close to our use of rib movements and undulations. These movements, coupled with shoulder movements, exercise the back muscles, and they exercise the muscles evenly. Strong back muscles prevent back injuries, and they promote good posture as well.

· Timeless & Ageless

Timeless and ageless perfectly describes the beauty of the natural movement of Belly Dance. These attributes allow its broad appeal and suitability for a diverse cross section of body types, fitness levels and ages. The low impact nature with the option of high energy steps and combinations presented in class provides a healthy fitness and energy contrast of flow and dynamics.

· Stress reduction

In this day and age of almost continuous stress, the subtle rhythms of raqs sharqi and the traditional movements are calming. The repetitive movements of the dance and the concentration needed to do them can help a mind filled with daily stress to "let go" for a while and relax. It's hard to worry about deadlines at work when you are thinking about getting that next drop just right, or while making sure that you are in time with the music.

One effect of stress is that our bodies tense up, causing contractions or spasms in muscle groups, such as those in the neck, shoulders, or back. When a muscle is contracted, lactic acid builds up, causing the "soreness" or pain that occurs. Blood flow to the affected muscles decreases as well.

Belly Dance Institute Mumbai

Raqs sharqi, on the other hand, gently stretches and uses these vulnerable muscle groups, and as they are utilized, blood flow increases and lactic acid is flushed away. Stressed muscles relax as they are gently exercised, relieving the "clenched" muscles often seen in our society. The body becomes supple and limber, and practitioners frequently report that pain diminishes in the back and neck areas.

Advisory: Many doctors have suggested belly dancing classes as part of rehabilitation from injury; it is, however, important to check with your own medical provider before starting any new form of exercise, especially if you are over 40, pregnant or have medical problems. Most injuries related to "overdoing" for the beginner can be avoided by warming the muscles first and by remembering to do some basic stretching afterward. Listen to your body's signals. Raqs sharqi, or belly dance, is a wonderful and gentle way to begin to condition your body.

Ritambhara Sahni Belly Dance Institute Mumbai

The 1st ever belly dance class in Mumbai since 2005

Belly Dance Institute Mumbai by Ritambhara Sahni