Bhangra Joy with Aakriti Kaushik

At time of writing, am aching in the best possible way from the first of Aakriti’s regular Bhangra dance classes at Grit Fitness and Dance – if you’re local enough to Westport, check them out. I’m planning to be there as many Wednesday evenings as possible because SO MUCH JOY!

And, to my astonishment, while feeling like a monster during one of the moves last night, I did improve. I’d loved the taster workshop in February (before this interview was recorded) but had no confidence in my ability to actually manage the (simple!) steps but… I have some hope now (and even if I don’t, it’s a great workout and So Much FUN).

Dance is so good for trauma and AuDHD. And the bilateral movement in some of the steps, while feeling tangled up in my brain, is, I know, contributing to healthy neuroplasticity as well as fitness. And did I mention the joy?

The fact that I’m learning an Indian dance style in my new home country (over 7 years since I immigrated here now!), Ireland and being Indian Irish definitely contributes to the joy but Bhangra is a joyful Punjabi dance form from the north of India, associated with feasts and celebrations of harvest.

The expansive, heart opening upper body movement as well as the gorgeously grounding lower body movements … am still beaming writing this.

I hope you love listening to my interview with Aakriti as much as I loved talking to her. She is such a great teacher, modifying it for those of us who were struggling as well as a superstar there at the front who was managing the more advanced steps with seeming ease.

So Much Fun.

Do you dance?

What style?

What advice do you have for beginners?

Let me know in the comments or by email.

le grá (with love),

Eve

CHAPTERS

(0:00) How dance connects us to emotion and something deeper

(0:25) Introducing Aakriti and the joy of Bhangra

(1:50) Movement as pleasure rather than something we have to do

(4:04) Meeting Aakriti and finding connection through community

(5:12) From engineering to meditation and Bhangra

(9:31) Why dance evokes emotion and joy

(11:46) Self-care practices shaped through challenge

(16:06) Letting go of perfection and adapting your routine

(18:39) The one essential practice: meditation

(23:16) Interconnection, purpose and supporting others

(27:01) Starting small with meditation and building consistency

(32:35) You are already worthy just as you are

(34:10) Closing reflection and invitation to care for yourself

LINKS

Aakriti Kaushik: https://www.instagram.com/bhangra_westport/

https://solestosoul.ie/book