Chai with Rai

Episode 13- In Conversation with Georgie Bloy

Chai with Rai (Ep.13)- In conversation with Georgie Bloy as we sat and basically just caught up. Georgie is a great friend of mine and we had to discuss the myths and secrets of fitness and PT.
Georgie has a real kind and ethical approach to fitness and it transpires through her. I had to find out where that stems from and how she manages to deal mentally in an industry which constantly judges you from your appearance. Especially being a female. 
We also dove deep into the boutique fitness industry and the new age PT's mindset, the instagram and social media Fitness instructors. Why qualifications and and an access to facilitating fitness programs has become so over saturated. 
We also discussed Georgie's modelling and acting career. How that passion plays into her life today. If she misses the entertainment industry and will she do more projects in that space. We also discussed anxiety and how to develop tools to recognise the triggers. How to deal with constant exterior marketing campaigns that can trigger us. How also being in lockdown was another trigger and challenged Georgie as a freelancer. 
To watch the video:
https://youtu.be/h7_8WgR7B2A 
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/  Guest- https://www.instagram.com/georgiebloy/ 
Links:Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Episode 12- In Conversation with Gairik Dutta Paul

Chai with Rai (Ep.12)- In conversation with Gairik Dutta Paul where we sat and discussed the dance culture in India. How Gairik's career in Dancehall began even though he trained in other styles. 
We discussed the IDVP program at Danceworks and the culture of training camps. What privileges you gain from being a faculty member at The Big Dance Centre in India. We also dove deep into survival as a dancer in India. How unions and agencies have an unconventional method and to survive a lot of dancers predominantly end up teaching. How Bollywood can be blessing and a curse. 
I had to also find out Gairik's recovery from his injury which prevented his passion to dance. Breaking down sexualisation of dancehall and how that fits into the dance culture in India. How he choreographs and what style/ vocabulary he mostly identifies his artistic voice with. 
To watch the full episode:https://youtu.be/xGXmN2Vc6Is 
Social:Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/  Guest: https://www.instagram.com/gairikduttapaul/  
Links:Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Episode 11- In Conversation with Sophia Rabinovitz

Chai with Rai (Ep.11)- In conversation with Sophia Rabinovitz of Activism Dance Theatre where we discussed how you create art for a dance theatre company that focuses on socialism, historical and political work. How Sophia's vision has evolved since creating the company? The logistics of setting up a company-- the pro's and con's of it.
We also discussed the dance space in New Orleans. How Sophia now owns a dance studio in NOLA and what the focus of the space is. We also discussed how she will be working with detention centres more. And of course the vision for its future. We discussed her stance on feminism and how she her views reflect not only her ethical & political stances but also her as a person... as an artistè.  
We also discussed Sophia's fitness and mental health journey. Being in a blended family and an interracial relationship. Lastly, knowing Sophia -- I had to get her take on the digital space and if she feels better about utilising it as a marketing tool for her brand. 
To watch the full video:https://youtu.be/jaRT5jbnKwc 
Social:Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/  Guest: https://www.instagram.com/msmindfulmuscles/ & https://www.instagram.com/artivismdance/ 
Links:Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum Guest: https://www.artivismdance.com 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Episode 10- In Conversation with Chloe Laureyns (Bodies By Chloe)

Chai with Rai (Ep.10)- In conversation with Chloe Laureyns where we discussed everything Fitness. From working in a fitness boutique studio to the mass gyms out there. We discussed the myths that surround fitness and how that affects our relationship to our bodies. 
Chloe also spoke very openly about mental health issues she struggles with. And how she manages that relationship with herself and her spirituality. The anxiety that is triggered and how to recognise that it is time to step away. 
We also discussed how the use of Digital media can affect us and how to utilise it but safeguard yourself. To be transparent but motivating. And of course her brand Bodies By Chloe. 
To watch the full video:https://youtu.be/R9JlWiBBsbk 
Social:Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/  Guest: https://www.instagram.com/bodiesbychloe/ 
Links:Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Episode 9- In Conversation with Saran Kohli

Chai with Rai (Ep.9)- In conversation with Saran Kohli where we sat and discussed everything fashion, his connection dance, music and how his mother Mani Kohli influenced the South Asian arts scene in the UK and him. 
We discussed his dance career from Company 68, to Broadway Dance Centre to being in a show, showcased at The Oliver Awards. Saran discussed his main influence being Michael Jackson and how that influenced his own vocabulary. We also discussed the dance industry in the UK being South Asian and how we are usually bought together for only SA based projects as oppose to our POC counterparts. We also dove into wether South Asian talent should have a fundamental knowledge of their culture and their roots, especially when in the arts. 
Saran also talked in such passion about Vitiligo and all of the work that he has done for himself and the community. Recently he launched a face mask with artist Mira Abad. And he has got some great projects in the work. 
We also touched on Marvels The Eternals and another project for which he danced in and designed the costumes for. His own clothing line Saran Kohli has  been worn by Sachin Tendulkar, JLS, Jay Sean, Ashley Walters (Top Boy), Lenny Henry, Juggy D, Mumzy Stranger, Ameet Chana and H Dhami amongst others. 
Saran Kohli Label has since been featured in GQ, Esquire and Asian Wealth Magazine. The list of international celebrities, influencers and bloggers wearing SKL and being styled by Saran himself has grown to include Sadiq Khan (Mayor of London), Sachin Tendulkar, Amandeep Singh (Aka Inkquistive), and Big Narstie amongst others with pieces being featured in New York Times, GQ UK, GQ France, GQ America and UK Esquire. SKL has now also branched out to designing uniforms for the hospitality industry; The Bloomsbury Hotel and St James Court (TAJ Hotel) in London being the most recent endeavor in collaboration with Bencivenga Alta Sartoria. 
To watch the full video: https://youtu.be/on1PGOzHUi8 
Social:Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/sarankohli/ 
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum Guest: https://www.sarankohli.com 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Episode 8- In Conversation with Mandeep Virk Randhawa (Dance with MVR)

Chai with Rai (Ep.8)- In Conversation with Mandeep Virk Randhawa where we sat and discussed all things Dance with MVR. How she created a platform out of pure love and missing out on the opportunity to share the love of Bhangra and Giddha. 
I also wanted to dive in how often when describing Bhanrgra the community fails to mention that it originates both from India and Pakistan. Rather than just Punjab in India. 
We dove into the how Bhangra, Giddha and Boliyan are often boxed as Bollywood and the misrepresentation of it. We talked of the new age way of learning and teaching. What the folk styles mean to her and her close relationship to it. 
We also discussed her work with of course PBN, Gary Sandhu and more. Her work with Phulkaria Girls and Tohr PD. Also, you have to check out the freestyle Boliyan and Dancing at the end.
To watch the full video:  https://youtu.be/gywOQiCgn-g 
Social:Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/dancewith_mvr/ 
Links:Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Episode 7- In Conversation with Tobin Thomas

Chai with Rai (Ep.7)- In conversation with Tobin Thomas Where we sat and discussed the Indian Classical space, specifically in Canada. We also dove into what it means to be a South Asian dancer and choreographer.
Creating and owning a company-- the work and financial value going into it. From conceptualising work to finding opportunities to showcase it. I also wanted to dive into the imagery Tobin creates in his work. He has a way of highlighting the Brown skin and in specific, a female perspective in such a breathtaking medium. I also, wanted to ask his process in creating choreography which was so interesting to dive into.
We dove into the popularity scheme that being in this industry you can often feel. Specialising in something but also covering all pockets. Having to be boxed and stereotyped.  We also had to discuss Shadow Entertainment (Tobin's Dance Company) performing at TEDX Don Mills. 
Tobin has kept busy with his company Shadow Entertainment, recently being in Canada's Got Talent. Tobin truly is an exceptional talent and I look forward to the work he creates not only for the community but how he broadens that vision to a global language. 
To watch the full video: https://youtu.be/Zfkd6j3Gces 
Social:Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/tobinthomas/ 
Links:Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum 
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Episode 6- In Conversation with Simone Damberg Würtz

Chai with Rai (Ep.6)- In conversation with Simone Damberg Würtz. Where we sat and talked contemporary dance in Europe and especially in the UK. We discussed how it feels to be a principle dancer in a rep company (Rambert Dance). 
Simone alongside Nancy and Julia from Rambert Dance also created a new initiative called "The Playground" at Rambert. Which allows emerging choreographers and artists of all disciplines to come together once a month and create an exchange. 
We also dove into Simone's Danish heritage, her career trajectory, her voice as an artist and choreographer. Her thoughts on Lyrical, Commercial and Entertainment in general. Where it is, where it is going and my favourite topic the usage of Digital imprint. 
To watch the full video: https://youtu.be/_MIfuy2u3yQ 
Social:Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/ms_stackhouse/ 
Links:Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum Guest: https://linktr.ee/SimoneDambergWurtz 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Episode 5- In Conversation with Guleraana Mir

Chai with Rai (Ep.5)- In conversation with Guleraana Mir where we sat and discussed her work with the Thelma's and of course her play Coconut (which brought me such joy). We dove into the high's and low's of being a playwright. Her process and advice for upcoming writers. 
Her thoughts on being boxed and stereotyped as POC Female writer and how we need more bold voices in the industry creating programming. We talked about feminism and her views on empowerment/ having a seat at the table. 
We also discussed the R&D process of creating a show, why she doesn't direct anymore and prefers in theatre realm to be known as a theatre practitioner. 
Since recording the show I have had the honour to meet and call Guleraana for industry related issues. She has been a great supported and just a kind person. She has some great projects in the pipeline from TV to film and of course more theatre work. 
To watch the full video:https://youtu.be/3XxSzBmwv-M 
Social:Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://twitter.com/g_ting 
Links:Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum Guest: https://linktr.ee/guleraana 
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Episode 4- In conversation with Emma Farnell Watson

Chai with Rai (Ep.4)- In conversation with Emma Farnell Watson where we sat and discussed her work with companies such as Hofesch Schecter, Jasmin Vardimon and Shahar Binyamini. Being the face of brands such as Garnier, Vodafone and more. We discussed in the lengths the differentiation and specificity of Contemporary Dance vs Contemporary lyrical. We also discussed how to safeguard our mental health whilst being in this industry and what life lessons she has specifically learnt from. 
We dove into her training and her thoughts into the industry being a trained dancer signed to some of the top agencies vs being a freelancer and not having a "traditional" training background. We also talked about Emma's joy for life, her optimism (knowing her as a friend), her process when she is doing a show or even on set. I also wanted to ask about how she manages her relationship with her partner, being that they are both performers. We also had an in depth conversation about privilege and sharing our opportunities with those around us.
I am so happy to know Emma and of her journey. Since doing the show Emma has continued her work with Hofesch but also has been choreographing work such as Jamie Cullum's music video. Curating a night in London for artists to showcase their work with her partner called Reune. Emma is currently with a high profile brand in creative directing their commercial and has a short film soon coming out. Keep your eyes peeled for this beaut babe.
To watch the full video:https://youtu.be/XsTT312sRMU 
Social:Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/efarnellwatson/ 
Links:Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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