Anoush Alibhai Featured in Viral Music Video "Mayaya"

Anoush shares her experience with us:

What was your favorite part of this experience?

My favourite part of this project was learning a new form of dance. I mainly do ballet and tap which is very different from Bollywood. I feel like this project built my skills and flexibility as a dancer. It also helped me build my confidence for performing and develop my stage presence. More than anything, I will never forget the friends I made through this project; girls from other schools also passionate about dance. 

What was the process like? Was it tough balancing it with school work and other commitments?

Anoush with the other dancersIt was a very fun and interesting process. It was challenging at first, because the type of dance I have learned so far is very different from the type of dance we performed in the music video. I only started learning Bollywood and hip hop this year, so it took me a longer time to learn the dance moves than the other girls. Additionally, it was quite tough balancing school with the music video practice because I had many clubs that finished late, and after school is the only time I can practice. However, I am glad I took this opportunity, because it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

When did you first discover your love for dance?

I started ballet when I was 3, tap when I was 5, and I also did a bit of Indian dancing when I was in Year 1. When I was younger, my sisters and I would come up with dance choreographies and perform them to my parents. Dance has been something I have always carried with me throughout my childhood, but it is only now that I have realized that dance is not something I do for fun, but a talent I have developed which is slowly growing into a life-long passion.  

What was interesting to you about this music video?

When I heard the song for the first time, I found it really cool that the song has Kenyan lyrics with a sort of Indian melody. It was really interesting making the traditional Indian hand moves go to the beats of the song. 

Watch the music video here.