Urmika Unnikrishnan Bangera is our much loved Bollywood Beginner tutor at Mt Roskill. She works full time at a busy day job and dances in her down time with Aaja Nachle. She always has a BIG smile on her face and is chatting away + dishing out hugs and kisses to her beginner students. Our parent body absolutely adore her energy and genuine nature. We spent some time catching up with this beauty and learning about her dance journey!
Tell us how you came to learn about Aaja Nachle?
I had first come to the Aaja Nachle Mount Roskill Studio to pick up my niece who was a part of the Bollywood beginners batch. That is when I fell in complete awe of how the classes were conducted by Aaja Nachle.
I had recently moved to NZ and was drawn to Aaja Nachle thanks to my family who were involved with the school. They really enjoyed their time with the different tutors and encouraged me to apply for a teaching role. It was because of my husband’s support and my family’s encouragement that I applied for a dance teachers position.
Why did you choose to teach with us?
Aaja Nachle was the first ever dance class that I had visited when I came to NZ. The people I met were so warm and kind to me! The students and teachers had this bond which was so special and I just knew then, that I want to be a part of this beautiful family too.
What life lessons have you learnt through your dance journey?
I have learnt how to be consistent in everything I take up in life & that without discipline and practice nothing can be perfect.
What is your favourite memory to date as a teacher?
As a teacher, I am lucky to share the best memories with my students every single class I take! But if I had to choose one, then it would be the evening at our year end show 2020 when one of my students had walked up to me, and she just hugged me so tight and told me, “thank you Mika for being the best teacher in the world”. That meant everything to me!
Tell us about your dance training in India
I come from a family of trained dancers. My family are accomplished in many cultural Indian dance forms. I have completed my masters in Bharatnatyam back in India and trained in it extensively while growing up. I believe it is a very pure form of dancing and mastering this style will keep you connected to your heritage, always.
Any final words for us Mika?
I teach at Aaja Nachle because I am proud of the manner in which our classes are conducted and that we are a family first and foremost. The classes are wonderful and we pass on more than just dance to our students and audience. Aaja Nachle is the one place where you can learn, explore and grow because of the numerous opportunities given to you.
Meet our superstar teacher Ms Urmika and get your little one bopping and grooving in her Bollywood Beginner classes. Call us on 021 088 10856 today!