Vriki is a stellar dance teacher with an interesting story. She moved to NZ from India at the age of 18 to pursue further studies. Since landing in NZ, she came on board Aaja Nachle and has been dancing ever since! (its been 3 years!). We were gob smacked by her confidence and go-getter attitude - at just 18!
We love Vriki’s passion for dance, her ENERGY and her unique Street meets Classical (with a bit of popping) choreography. She teaches our smallest dancers to our teens and wins everyones hearts with her love, kindness and passion. We interviewed Vriki so you can get to know her a bit better. Have a read below!
Tell us about how you first become involved with Aaja Nachle
My story with Aaja Naachle dates back to the days when I was eagerly waiting for my student visa to get approved. I would google dance schools in Auckland and Aaja Nachle would pop up right on top! Once I reached New Zealand and settled into my college I rang up few Classical dance schools to check if they hired any dance tutors. On that list, I also rang up Aaja Nachle and to my surprise they needed few dancers and called me in. So that's how my journey started as a professional dancer in New Zealand and Aaja Nachle.
Where did you train in India?
I trained in Bharatanatyam under Veena Ramakrishnan disciple of S.K Rajathinam Pillai. I completed my arrangetram before coming to NZ. In Kuchipudi, I am still training, my guru is Madavi Mallampalli, a disciple of Satyapriya Raman. I have been featured in Tamil Media like Chutti TV and movies like Aruvi. I was the main choreographer for a Tamil theatre troop called Parkishaa run by the late Tamil writer and critic, Gnani Shankar
What life lessons have you learnt through your dance lessons?
Ever since I was little, I have had a natural inclination towards dance. I have been learning dance since the age of 3 and started performing at the age of 4. Therefore, I have lived my entire life dancing. Dance has helped me learn to build my skills and focus and understand the processes of achieving one's dream or goals. It has brought in discipline to my life and taught me the importance of team bonding. The art form also helped me to respect different opinions and become understanding and appreciative of diversity.
Tell us about a special moment you have had as a teacher?
I have always felt proud when my students shine or achieve their goals. My beginner students performed at many events last year and I personally felt very happy to see them succeed and conquer their goals. One of my students even did a solo at our end of year show! The teaching profession is very special as the parents and students not only invest their time, money and energy but they invest trust and hope into a teacher to guide them in the right direction. I feel very blessed to have the chance of taking up such responsibilities and nurture many students emotionally, mentally and physically.
Why are cultural dance classes so important to you?
Cultural dances provide an insight about the people from each culture- how they behave, how they dress, what beliefs they follow, etc.
This helps an individual understand one's cultural background and helps embrace the beauty of one's culture. However, I believe that on should not restrict to just one cultural dance form and should gain the experience of understanding other cultural dance forms. This helps to bring innovation and acceptance of difference among individuals. As a teacher, I try to bring in as many different dance forms in my teaching to guide my kids to explore more.
Why teach at Aaja Nachle?
Aaja Nachle has become my New Zealand dance family. The institute provides me a platform to experiment my new innovative ideas and provides the liberty to spread my values and opinions to my kids. The renowned institute also provides many opportunities for my students to perform and help me build their dance journey. As an Aaja Nachle teacher, I proudly portray my cultural identity and utilize my opportunity to spread the positive values of my culture.
Get amongst and dance with us! Call us on 021 088 10856 for a free trial class ☺️