I want to create a legacy and inspire upcoming generations to not give up on their dreams.

[vc_row enable_arrows_animation=”no” css=”.vc_custom_1624007689940{padding-bottom: 5% !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

An interview with RIDY SHEIKH, Fusion Dance Icon & Social Media Phenomenon

[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1624007608524{padding-top: 3% !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

IN THIS FREEWHEELING INTERVIEW WITH INDIAN SOUNDS & STEPS, RIDY SHEIKH OPENS HER HEART ON EVERYTHING THAT HAS IMPACTED AND INSPIRED HER, HOW ASPIRANTS CAN TAKE FORWARD THEIR PASSION IN THIS SOCIAL MEDIA AGE, AND HER DREAM OF ENHANCING BANGLADESH’S POSITION ON THE INTERNATONAL DANCE MAP. READ ON ….

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]EDITOR’S NOTE: Farzana Ridy Sheikh is a globally renowned fusion dance icon and social media phenomenon. Born and raised in Moscow, Russia, into a Bangladeshi family, Ridy is the only artist of Bangladeshi origin in Russia and CIS countries who gained popularity as a dancer, choreographer and model. She has been a part of many cultural events in Russia and Europe, mainly focusing on promoting Bangladeshi culture and Indian dance forms. She is trained in dance styles, such as hip-hop, jazz-funk, waacking, Bangla and Indian folk dances, semi-classical fusions based on Bharatanatyam, Kathak and others. She has visited Finland, Sweden, France, Malaysia, India, Portugal and many other countries, for performances and workshops, participated in and choreographed for different shows and festivals, including TV realities.

Ridy’s Achievement Highlights

• Ambassador of Bangladesh at the UNESCO-supported “Les origins de la beaute”
• 1st Bangladeshi female YouTube entertainer to receive the YouTube Silver Play Button award
• Winner – Dance reality show competition in Bangladesh “Mangolee Channel, Shera Nachiye season 3 (2016)
• Appeared on “Dance Plus 3” (2017) one of the most successful dance reality shows in India. She was part of an International team “House of Suraj” representing “Bollywhack” dance form. Team was in Top-8 on the show.
• Top-100 in TV-Show “So You Think You Can Dance Ukraine, season 5”, Official choreographer of Russian TV-Shows “So You Think You Can Dance Russia” (season 1, 2, 4), “I can do that” and more
• Top-50 in TV-Show “So You Think You Can Dance Russia, season 1”,
• Choreographer for Russian celebrities Nyusha (#1 pop-singer in Russia and CIS countries), Jasmin, Marta Kot, Angel-A, Kornelia Mango Irakli, Nel and more
• Miss Plekhanov University 2011 (first contestant with non-Russian roots to win this Beauty and talent Pageant),
• Face of different brands in Russia and Bangladesh
• Workshops, concerts, judge panel: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Sweden, Finland, India, Portugal, Malaysia, France, Bangladesh.

In 2020, Ridy made her debut on silver screen as an invited artist for dance performances, pairing with the leading actor of Bangladeshi film industry – Shakib Khan (“Just Chill” from Nabab LLB). She has appeared in about 12 telefilms, mainly as a lead. She choreographed the first electronic dance music (EDM), music video in Bangladesh (Musa feat. Adib – Bondhurey), where she also was a lead dancer and model. She aims to produce more high-quality content and challenging projects, so that Bangladeshi media industry can grow and compete on international level.

She is also a diploma holder (with distinction) in International Economic Relations from the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, which is among the top 3 economic universities in Russia.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1624010429324{padding-top: 3% !important;padding-bottom: 1% !important;}”][vc_column_text]

EXCERPTS FROM THE RIDY SHEIKH INTERVIEW

IS&S: You started as a Bangladeshi folk dancer at a very young age? What (as well as who all) inspired you to try your hand in multiple other dance forms and also excel in these?

RS: I started dancing at the age of 5. Since I was born and raised in Russia, I had access to western dance forms. But my parents always wanted me to be closer to my roots. So I started learning Bangladeshi folk dance from Smita Sengupta aunty, who was a former professional dancer. She helped me start my dance path. Later on, I also attended classical dance classes, especially Kathak, and all other possible and impossible dance forms that I had access to. So you can say it was my parents who pushed me to learn more about my culture through arts.

IS&S: Bangladesh, Russia and India. What are the most striking commonalties and differences you have found between the contemporary dance cultures in these countries?

RS: It’s very surprising that Russia and Bangladesh used to have a similar kind of acceptance for dance forms and dance art overall. Basically because of the dance reality TV shows the art has become more popular among the masses, and this helped the contemporary dance culture to develop a lot. Also, the internet had a good share in its popularization. People in both countries are eager to know about dance cultures from other countries much more now.

When it comes to differences I would say that in Bangladesh there are a lot of restrictions because of the traditions, religious beliefs and the general patriarchal culture. So it’s pretty similar to the dance situation in India 15 years ago, but it’s changing day by day to the better. Another interesting fact about Russia is that a lot of Russians still believe that Bollywood dance is all about sarees and the red dot (bindi) on the forehead or the ‘Jimmy Jimmy Aaja Aaja’ performance by Mithun Chakraborty. It’s a bit stereotypical concept about South Asian dances. I was one of the first dance artists of South Asian origin in Russia who mixed different forms both from the South Asian classical dance forms and western contemporary dance forms and that attracted a different kind of attention from the audience.

“Thanks to my European and South Asian credentials, fusion dance is a part of my identity.”

IS&S: TV reality shows have contributed immensely to your growth as an internationally popular dancer. Has TV reality shows lost their relevance and importance in today’s world of social media boom, where artistes have multiple other platforms to write their success stories.

RS: Honestly speaking my path was very different. Usually nowadays an artist becomes successful on social media and then he’s invited to do a TV show. In my case I was known mostly because of the social media after I’ve done a lot of TV shows. But my case is more of an exception. The social media platform and TV show platform are different and they have a different impact on your career and they bring you a different kind of audience. For example, according to your goals you can attract mass crowd for TV appearance or niche crowd for making exceptional contents. I would say that both platforms are good for reaching out to the audience and no one should underestimate any of them. If you are a dancer today, you need to leverage every single opportunity you receive – be it online or offline.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]

RIDY SHEIKH SELECT DANCE VIDEOS

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row enable_arrows_animation=”no” css=”.vc_custom_1474291084926{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1624011001604{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]

[/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1624011011312{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1624011028140{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1624011038224{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row enable_arrows_animation=”no”][vc_column][vc_column_text]IS&S: What contributed to your remarkable popularity on social media? What would be your advice for aspirants who are striving to make a mark through social media?

RS: When I started making contents for YouTube, I even didn’t know there is a term like YouTuber. My YouTube channel was opened by my mother just to upload my stage performances for audience in Europe. And it really helped me to gain popularity in Europe. I started my channel almost 13 years ago. I even didn’t know that followers and subscribers matter. I was making videos to share my arts with people to receive their criticism and be a better dancer in the next video I upload. I never ran after views and followers. I think this is the biggest advice that I can give to newcomers on YouTube – be consistent and pay attention to the quality of your contents, work hard on being a better artist. Be smart and plan your game for the long-term, not for the short-term just to gain followers and subscribers because the number of followers will not bring you the real long-term popularity or stable income online. Only your talent and hard work will. Work on making a brand.

“I love to make my choreography unique by catching unexpected beats and music elements.”

IS&S: You had an eventful participation in an Indian TV Reality show? Can you recall for us a couple of interesting anecdotes of this experience? Can you also share your take on Indian dancers and dance scene?

RS: As you already know I am Russian of a Bangladeshi origin, I was born and raised in Moscow. I will never forget how Punit Sir told me once that I am a clear representation of how audio doesn’t match the video. It was really funny and on point because I actually look like a Bengali-Indian but my accent is very unique.

Another interesting fact which is not funny, but deserves attention is that I used to get into all possible troubles with my health during the show. I had food poisoning 4 times, I had small traumas and injuries at least 4 times during my 5-month stay in Mumbai. The show was very challenging both emotionally and physically for all of us, because we had members from abroad and it took time to adjust.

IS&S: You have been a big proponent of fusion dance. Do you think fusion dance has grown into a major force for creating business opportunities, crossing regional boundaries and also, making a social impact?

RS: Fusion dance is the part of my identity. As a person with South Asian roots but born and raised in Europe, I faced an identity crisis. Fusion dance was a form of my expression because I believe I belong to both cultures. I am sure that there are a lot of other international dancers who can relate to my problem and my blessing at the same time. The world is changing, and fusion dance is the best representation of globalization in the world.

IS&S: How far has your experience and opportunities as a dancer, helped you in your career as an actress? Is it easy for a good dancer to be a good actor as well?

RS: I believe that a dancer can grow into a very good actor. These are like cousin professions. Dancers work with Abhinaya and facial expressions a lot – that’s a part of acting or acting itself. Of course, my dance experience helped me a lot when I was doing acting projects. However currently I am fully focused on dance. Maybe one day in the future I’ll be back in the acting field, when I will be more prepared and educated about it.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1624012669427{padding-top: 3% !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_gallery interval=”5″ images=”11700,11711,11712,11713,11721″ img_size=”360×450″ onclick=”” css_animation=”fadeIn”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

“A successful dancer is 10% talent, 10% luck and 80% consistent hard work.”

IS&S: Your dance covers have been very popular and dance lovers always wait with high expectations for your next. How do you and your team prepare yourselves for making a dance cover? What are the vital ingredients of a typical Ridy Sheikh dance cover?

RS: First of all, it took me years to build a team and understand how content creation works. And trust me – it’s not easy. You need to select the proper track, make a choreography, think about the set, location, costumes, lights, camera gear, rehearsal with other dancers and many other things. And for me, quality matters. So my formula is unique choreography (where I catch unexpected beats and music elements) and good equipment. Everything else is secondary.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]IS&S: What are your ultimate dreams and ambitions in the world of performing arts? What steps are you taking to reach ‘there’?

RS: There are already some people like Akram Khan who put Bangladesh on the international map of dance culture. I want to do that too. Why Bangladesh, but not Russia? Because dancers from a conservative country like Bangladesh need that more than anyone. Also as a dancer I want to set an example, create a legacy and inspire upcoming generations to work hard and not give up on their dreams of becoming a good artist.

IS&S: Your special message for young aspiring artistes, who form a major chunk of ‘Tarang’ readers.

RS: If you are a new aspiring dance artist, I would suggest to always strengthen your base – get a proper training for classical forms or foundation. It can be ballet, Kathak or old-school hip-hop. If the foundation is not strong, you won’t be able to take big steps in your career. Don’t be afraid to try new forms. Today, you have to be versatile, it’s a new normal.

Always remember that a successful dancer is 10% talent, 10% luck and 80% consistent hard work.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1624011263768{padding-top: 3% !important;padding-bottom: 3% !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row enable_arrows_animation=”no” css=”.vc_custom_1474355814165{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

CONNECT WITH RIDY SHEIKH ON

YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? LET US KNOW AT

support@indiansoundsandteps.com

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]