Chai with Rai

Episode 23- In Conversation with Mavin Khoo

Chai with Rai (Ep.23). In conversation with Mavin Khoo where we sat and discussed stories from his career, life lessons and the world of Classical Dancing. It was beautiful to dive into his rich career and discuss how there isn't still a lot of representation when it comes to the world of Contemporary and Classical Ballet.
A conversation that really stood out in the episode was our discussion on sexuality and gender. How Mavin discusses the word androgynous, a word he has been called often. Mavin also fondly spoke of his training and his relationship to his Guru and his teachers. He also spoke where he fits in today's world of giving back that knowledge as a coach, artist and a choreographer. 
At the end of the episode we had a lot of laughter, as we discussed switching off and diving into some reality tv. Real Housewives and Wendy Williams were amongst the top shows of our banter. 
To watch the full episode:https://youtu.be/PT_xpWfINRM 
Social:Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/mavin_khoo/ 
Links:Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum 
Guest: https://www.akramkhancompany.net/company-profiles/mavin-khoo/ 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Episode 22- In Conversation with Shweta Aggarwal

Chai with Rai (Ep.22). In conversation with author Shweta Aggarwal where we sat and discussed her other accolades from writing, such as owning a Bollywood Company- Threebee. Which ran successfully for 10 years and they were the first Bollywood Dance Company to feature and make it to Semi-Finals of Britains Got Talent.
Shweta also has received Asian woman of achievement award for Arts and Culture in 2016 and was invited By her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace For an event in 2017.  Also, being an author to the popular kids books Dev and Ollie and we discussed her new novel The Black Rose Book, which focuses her experiences on colourism within the south asian community. We heavily discussed Colourism in South Asian Community. The complexities of being working/ labour class, how its unjust to women vs men and of course beauty standards all around the world.
We had such a good chat talking about UK Dance politics, the Bollywood scene in the UK, how you set up a company and the logistics of it. How it is to be a self published author, her experience with her successful accomplishments. As well how she dealt with the low times in her life and what lessons she learnt from them.  
To watch the full episode:https://youtu.be/Uk_xs5R6nwE 
Social:Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/theblackroseway/ 
Links:Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum 
Guest: https://linktr.ee/theblackrosewriter & http://devandollie.com  
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Episode 21- In Conversation with Saloni Saraf

Chai with Rai (Ep.21). In Conversation with Saloni Saraf where we sat and discussed her journey with Kathak, the dance industry in the UK. The South Asian Classical Indian Dance Space vs Experimental work vs Bollywood. The survival toll that one can have whilst being a freelancer and gaining opportunities.
Having a brother that also works in the entertainment industry and creating connections with others in there industry.  Her work for productions such as Kattam Katti, Swan Lake and Glastonbury. We also got into discussing politics through her Documentary ‘The Saffron Republic”. Which dives into the caste, media and political space in India. How that was received and why it was created. Then at the end as usual we played some fun games and you have to check out the full video for the Improv dancing alone!
To watch the full episode:https://youtu.be/2MLo9ocVEAc 
Social:Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/salonis/ 
Links:Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Episode 20- In conversation with Nikkita Chadha

Chai with Rai (Ep. 20)- In conversation with the Nikkita Chadha where we sat and discussed the entire industry basically. From Nikkita's evolution as a dancer into modelling and acting. To discussing what it means to have credits such as: Rimmel London, Asos, Selfridges, Voxi, Tok Tok, Schuh, Master Card, Halifax, Bohoo, River Island, Adidas, Wowcher, Charlotte Tilbury, Google, Cartier & Reebok to name a few. But also acting credits with projects such as Mubarakan, The Long Goodbye, Cornershops, Turn up Charlie, Bring on the Bollywood, The Eternals, Cinderella and Never Kiss your best friend. 
Nikkita has such a rich career and a great support circle and we discussed how it feels to have that encouragement as a South Asian woman. How the narrative and opportunities need to change in the industry to being more inclusive. Such as not just having Brown dancers together in a project that is just brown based. Or stereotyping POC to ethnic roles and to progress the narrative. 
We also discussed Nikkita's struggle with mental health and anxiety. How she copes with it's triggers and seeks help when needed. How she deals with being a freelancer and feeling like enough isn't enough often. We also discussed that if she didn't have all of the accolades she has, the support of her close group, her physical and mental confidence would she continue to do what she is doing today.
We also dove into being an influencer, the usage of Social platforms and transferring that into opportunities. Her strong connection to her roots as a South Asian person. What the exterior perspective of that is like either being a female or a POC. How she navigates with the politics of the industry and being on set. How the industry treats you and your community. What she would like for her future now and what projects she seeks. And lastly who is a bigger star-- her mother or Nikkita?
To watch the full episode:https://youtu.be/ZsYR-d4_DN4 
Social Media:Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/  Guest: https://www.instagram.com/nikkitachadha/ 
Links:Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum 
Guest: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7703116/ 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Episode 19- In Conversation with Jess Baddie

Chai with Rai (Ep.19) - In conversation with Jess Baddie where wwe sat and discussed Jess's accolades from with Nike London, to being featured in Elle, Evening Standard UK. Being in campaigns for Puma and Tesco to choreographing 2018 World Cup video ft Will Smith Nick Jam and Era Istrafi. 
We of course discussed all things Dancehall, what it means to be in Dancehall Funk Worldwide, how Jess trains in Dancehall still and travels to Jamaica and internationally to learn from different crews. As well sponsors them to come and teach in the UK.
We also discussed body image issues, confidence, sexuality. An outlook on life, Dance culture, digital space, Being an artist, her business ventures and evolution from a dancer to working on Suns Nature and ambassador for brands such as Agora World. 
Since the episode was taped Jess has ventured into Dj'ing and recently DJ'd at a high profile gig in Turkey amongst being booked for some major festivals coming up in 2022. We also discussed Jess's confidence and the kindness she shares with the community and her friends. How she deals with the politics and the High's/ Low's of the entertainment industry. 
To watch the full episode:https://youtu.be/TM2-C6Kxc2Q 
Social:Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/  Guest: https://www.instagram.com/jessbaddiee/ 
            https://www.instagram.com/sunsnature/ 
Links:Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum 
Guest: https://linktr.ee/JessBaddie 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Episode 18- In Conversation with Aishwarya Raut

Chai with Rai (Ep.18)- In conversation with Aishwarya Raut where we sat and discussed all things dance from India to the UK basically. From working with tycoon companies such as Shiamak to now being with Rambert Dance. We also discussed the lack of South Asian representation in the Contemporary community compared to other POC. As well why there aren't a lot of choreographers or creative directors or even Movement Directors that are of South Asian decent leading some of the biggest brand campaigns.
We discussed how it feels to be in a rep company and the pro's and con's of that as a dancer and a creative artist. We discussed Aishwarya's prospective for the future, for the community, the support and love of her family & friends. Being a female POC dancer and how that is viewed by the community and industry- be it stereotyping to racism, sexism and more. 
Aishwarya is also signed to a commercial agency, to which we discussed the different pockets of the creative industry and its challenges on where to fit and how to survive. This episode was also recorded during a time where covid measures were being lifted, to which we discussed how that took a toll on your mental health and physically as a dancer. How she returned with Rambert and were creating works in which senses and movements were restricted. 
 
To watch the full episode:https://youtu.be/9OylW82lPCk 
Social:Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/  Guest: https://www.instagram.com/aishwarya__raut/ 
Links:Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Episode 17- In conversation with Sunil Gupta

Chai with Rai (Ep.17) - In Conversation with Sunil Gupta where we discussed everything from LGBTQ+ rights, being an activist for the community to discussing being so vulnerable and open about himself in his work. From his HIV positive diagnosis and documenting that to his past relationships and more. 
We also discussed gay culture everything from cruising to Grindr and the digital way of meeting up. How queer culture exists in such a free form today,  how the LGBTQ+ South Asian experience is represented and the lack of voices for it in mainstream or even arts experience.
We also discussed what it means to be a photographer, is art subjective and does it belong in a gallery or an exhibition? How the culture surrounding safe spaces has also changed in the UK? His culture exposure from moving to Canada, US and UK from India. Working with charities such as GLC and what it meant to be around the activism era of the 80's onwards. I was also intrigued to ask that if you are a person of the LGBTQ+ community, do you have a responsibility to be knowledgeable about its history and have an active voice for those who don't?
We also touched up on Sunil's love stories and finding his partner now, known to us as "Husband Ji".
To watch the show
https://youtu.be/pOLWk9Ehwcs 
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/  
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/sunilgupta7402/  
Websites
Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
Guest: https://www.sunilgupta.net
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
 

Episode 16- In Conversation with Raymond Chai

Chai with Rai (Ep.16)- In conversation with Raymond Chai where we sat and discussed his tremendous résumé- from working with Royal Shakespeare Company to Royal National Theatre, National Ballet and Rambert Dance. Working also with legends such as Matthew Bourne, Richard Alston and Akram Khan to name a few.
I also was intrigued to find out the technicalities of what it means to be a Ballet Master. We also talked about Raymond's acting career from Cats to King and I. His choreographic and teaching works. 
We also dove deep into the classical Ballet world, the politics of it and how the word diversity is thrown around but yet the art form still has a long way to progress in it's approach. 
To watch the video:
https://youtu.be/7WzhrB3r0Yw 
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/  
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/raymondochai/
Links:
Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
Guest: https://raychai.wordpress.com 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe and share follow my page and everything above.

Episode 15- In Conversation with Ridaa Husain

Chai with Rai (Ep.15)- In conversation with Ridaa Husain from Dance Bhangra. We sat and discussed all things Bhangra, Representation and stereotypes of being a Pakistani dancer and in specific and being a Pakistani Female Bhangra Dancer. The toxic space often created by the competition scene but also having a dance family that supports you. How people still misinterpret folks dances and label it under one umbrella that is Bollywood. 
Her passion for the arts, her perspective, coming from a supportive family that encourages her path rather than discourages. What sets Dance Bhangra, Ridaa's Dance brand from others and how she really emphasises the beauty of folk dance. How it felt being the first female Bhangra coach for her team and then win The Bhangra Showdown in 2018. How it feels to work with Desi frenzy and other punjabi artists. To be nominated and also win the Best Dance Group for the UK Bhangra Dance Awards 2020.
The future of Dance Bhangra and of course her travels. I also want to shout out Ridaa for becoming a mummy to a beautiful baby boy since our interview and I cannot wait to see him in all the dance comps as now Ridaa will become a stage mom lol.
To watch the video:
https://youtu.be/K_89rYMM4mY 
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/  Guest- https://www.instagram.com/dancebhangra/ 
Websites: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum Guest:  https://www.dance-bhangra.com/ 
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Episode 14- In Conversation with Eden Pereira

Chai With Rai (Ep.14)- In conversation with Eden Pereira . Where we sat and discussed the dance culture in India. How his love for contemporary began and the stereotypes of being a male dancer-- be that from the styles of dances or even just being Asian and expected to dance in Bollywood. 
We also discussed training, technique, ballet, Danceworx Performing Academy with Ashley Lobs. How Eden's approach to choreography and teaching changed during Lockdown. Being a faculty member for The Big Dance Centre and the survival of a dancer in India. 
I also had to find out Eden's inspiration, whose vocabulary he admires as a creative and his approach to choreography. And of course the variations of contemporary dance practiced and showcased in India. 
To watch the video:
https://youtu.be/gMtZcrhfmYA 
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/   Guest- https://www.instagram.com/edendpereira/ 
Links:Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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