Let’s Get to Know Each Other - Safiya Devraj

Safiya is a young dancer based in Calgary.

When did you start dancing and in what styles?

I started dancing when I was 7, so it has been about 8 years. I specialize in bollywood, kathak, bharatanatyam, and hip hop… I have also tried various latin and street styles.

Describe the moment you discovered your passion for dance.

When I was 7, I wanted to be put into dance classes, but I wasn't very fond of doing classical indian styles, so I was very hesitant when the first class I was put in was a part of a indian classical studio. Throughout the first couple months, I got pushed and motivated to keep dancing, and over time it became the highlight of my week. I began to increase my hours, try different styles, train with different people and it has become one of the most important things in my life

Do you have any goals for yourself and dance after the pandemic?

Though the pandemic didn’t stop me from dancing, it was also really hard to learn new skills as studios were closed. I focused on myself and more of my solo career and on choreography. Now that the pandemic is coming to an end I think I am going to continue to grow my choreography and performer skills while also starting out with teaching and potentially opening a studio in the next coming years.

If you could take a dance class anywhere in the world, where would you go?

If I could travel to learn to dance anywhere, I think I would go somewhere in India. I know places in north and south India like Tamil are very big in kathak and bharatnatyam. These two styles are the main ones that I focus on and i would really like to grow in them and potentially be able to pursue a career in these forms of dance.