Meet Master Ram: Planet Yoga's Director of Dance hits Hong Kong

Meet Master Ram: Planet Yoga's Director of Dance hits Hong Kong

Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 7:21pm

Dance as exercise is becoming hugely popular and Master Ram sets the pace. A lifetime of dance and martial arts has made him fast and flexible. He uses his talents to design a range of classes from Bollywood to Freestyle. Having started teaching at 15 he is recognized as one of the youngest certified dance instructors.




RY: As the Dance Director, you customize a wide range of classes--Bollywood, Freestyle, bellydancing specifically for Planet Yoga. What are you working on at the moment?

Ram: Right now, I am preparing for the new Master Classes at Planet Yoga. We are very lucky to have a lot of dedicated and eager dancers at Planet Yoga so these sessions are designed with them in mind. The choreography is meant for intermediate and advanced dancers who are looking for something a little more challenging.

RY: You are one of the youngest certified dance instructors in India. How did you become a dance instructor? Were you always a good dancer?

Ram: I was always very athletic as a kid--I studied Martial Arts for 7 years and became a Black Belt. I began training in dance at a very young age and started teaching classes when I was 15.




RY: Who has inspired you most as a dancer?

Ram: My biggest idol, without a doubt, is Michael Jackson. Not just for his techniques but his innovation, his star quality and charisma. In my profession, it is easy to imitate others' styles and techniques. It is important for me to create original choreography so that my students are learning something new and exciting, not something they have already seen somewhere else.
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RY: Some of these classes may sound a little intimidating --Bhangra Funk, Modern Belly Dancing. For someone who has little or no experience dancing how would you encourage them?

Ram: I always teach each of my classes with one goal in mind, and that is to help my students build self-confidence, have fun and raise their energy level. Some of the classes are more challenging than others, but ultimately, it is not about learning specific techniques or fancy moves, I want them to feel good about their bodies and health.


RY: Planet Yoga is known for having instructors that have real talent and great experience. What does real yoga mean to you?

Ram: For each of my classes, I try to create a unique experience. I listen to my students and give them lots of feedback. It is important for me that anyone who comes into my class feels that they are able to take with them something that is worthwhile. Real yoga for me is creating a personal experience for each of my students.