C for Conundrum

The other day, my world seemed to be in a very stable place. Although much of my time is devoted to three basic things, school, dance, and the gym, I can usually find an hour or two in a lucky week to spare for the other things such as friends or sleep.
Living for the present is always entertaining, especially when the present consists of planning a very important photo-shoot with professional photographers (this is for my arangetram). I've already spelled out the time and effort it takes to get through such a time-consuming project. However, living for the present while simultaneously planning for the future proves to be somewhat of a challenge when both things require a hundred percent of your attention. In other words, attach running for class president, cheerleading tryouts, and a wedding to the unusually busy to-do list, and well, my sanity seems to evaporate into thin air alongside sleep. The feeling is almost...cluttering. Claustrophobic, even.
I'd like to point out something that really gets to me every time I think I might have to commit myself to a hundred rounds of meditation. Friends. To all those who have called me and offered help as I'm running around getting something waxed, colored, or further perfected, thank you so much. Although I cannot accept your gracious offer, it means so much that you would take your time to calm me down or lend a helping hand. I'm not only thanking those who have bluntly helped, but also those of you who have understood my priorities with dance this year and for the past decade, I appreciate your ability to be so patient with me. After July 15, I owe you all a one-on-one date.
So tell me how a workaholic can go from leading such a steady lifestyle to running a madhouse in the matter of minutes. Tell me how it is possible to be so all over the place that you forget to put on shoes and realize it only when you enter the dance studio. Tell me how the idea of "patience" seems like an inappropriate joke rather than a virtue. Really, it is a conundrum.

P.S. I'm using these photographers for my arangetram. They are absolutely brilliant at photojournalism photography, and it would be my pleasure to offer you their business as I'm sure you will not be anything less than ecstatic about their work. If you are not planning a wedding or arangetram, then look around their gallery anytime. Maybe it'll be an inspiration, maybe a good waste of time, or maybe you'll keep them in mind for a certain event in the future. Either way, enjoy!
http://www.thedecisivemoment.com/

B for Beach Boys

Spring is around the corner, and if you're not already traveling for the entirely-too-short break, then heads up- there's loads to be excited for! 

During the first week of April, I will not only be attending a wedding in Los Angeles, but also spending the last half of the week with my cousins, Liz and Lyza, as well as two best friends, Mehak and Ramsha, in Miami, Florida. Although removing henna tattoos (mehndi) from my hands on the lonely flight to Miami is not something I am ecstatic about, there are a few things that I cannot wait to do!

First and foremost, I am beyond happy that I will able to spend time with my family and friends. There's nothing like a good week of non-stop companionship to set you in the right mood.

Secondly, I can vividly remember the memories Liz, Lyza, Henna and I created on the cruise to Mexico last SB. Juggling with the idea of the things my friends and I would do together while we are spending quality time in a party city is almost too much to handle!

Indian weddings are so COLORFUL! In addition to the cultural beauty I will be surrounding myself with, I also get to look forward to performing a few dances for my loving Khalajaan and wearing a sari! I'm sure it'll be beautiful, even though I haven't picked it out yet :/

The 3 B's truly capture the entire meaning of Spring Break. Beach, babes, and bikinis. I've already started getting whipped into shape, and as crazy as this may seem, self tanner might be the highlight of being at the beach. It can be used for any skin color, and it really evens your complexion out!

On top of all the chaos with midterms, dance, cheer tryouts, and the photoshoot, it really is soothing to know that there is a break from the madness soon. Brilliant students and hard-working teens, take a deep breath! If you're not already laying back and tanning, you will be soon! We can do it!

There are just a few reminders that I would like you people to keep in mind-

Wherever you may be, be safe! Stay with a friend and always have pepper spray!

Take a camera, and don't lose it! For the majority, I'm assuming this may be your best bet of remembering the week, anyway.

Pack a few days in advance! Last minute packing usually means something remains forgotten at home, and who needs the extra stress, anyway? You may want to check the weather before you begin sorting outfits, also.

HAVE FUN! I know I will. 

A for Arangetram

An arangetram is a ceremony marking the end of a Bharat Natyam dancer's training. One of my best friends, Sapna Shah, has shown me how to take what I've learned at the studio and apply it to my every day life. Her words help me out by describing and further explaining an arangetram:

"Through my eight years of being a part of the academy, I have slowly ascended into the higher echelons of  dancing present at Kruti. By doing so, I've become a part of the Kruti family. As a senior in high school and at the academy, Kruti has reached its full potential of meaning in my life through the relationships, morals, discipline, respect, and abilities I've gained from attending every week. Dance is my escape from the world, and without it, my mind would never have a chance to clear itself from any stress or problems present. Kruti has allowed me to gain confidence in myself and pursue ambitions I would never have dreamed of before. I have been taught to work diligently and to push myself to reach personal satisfaction. The academy and its values have become a part of my persona and will remain with me as I take the next step in my life when I start college this fall. I would not be the person I am today without Kruti Dance Academy, and I will never forget the impact it has had on my life. Kruti is not just about dancing; it is about bringing alive a culturally rich art that many never have a chance to experience, and I thank the academy for giving me the rare opportunity to be closer my heritage and to find my passion in dance."

As trained classical Indian dancer at Kruti Dance Academy, I am proud to announce that after ten dedicated years, my arangetram will be on July 15, 2012.
Bigger than my wedding, the preparations for this joyous occasion began July of 2011. To give my beloved readers a brief idea, here's a glimpse of all that goes into an arangetram:
-Book the auditorium
-Order custom made outfits from India
-Design a langha and have it made by Indian designers
-Find and book a decorator
-Find and book a photographer
-Find and book a videographer
-Plan to have a pooja days before the big day (Bharat Natyam is a religious art form)
-Have a photoshoot (Mine is 7 days from today!!!!!)
-Get jewelry to match perfectly on stage
-Have stage make-up bought newly and done (multiple test runs required)
-Plan to have perfect waxed, threaded, facial-ed, flawless skin and teeth for the photoshoot and big day


...Get the point? The list goes on and on, and the best part- I'm loving every second of it! There's only one year of my life that I will get to spend ridiculous amounts of hours in the studio practicing and perfecting dances, and I plan to fully love (or hate) every second of it.


I'd advise you to heed this warning- 
Over the next five months, many arangetram and annual recital references will be made. Plan to be well informed about a very dedicated Kruti student (and soon to be alumni)!

The crew of six that was invited to go to India and perform on Chak Doom Doom- an internationally televised dance competition. Two days before our flight, Henna and I were unable to receive Visas because our parents were born in Pakistan. Still, the girls kept in touch from India and thought of us as a part of their team. You can watch how well they did on the show here: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xKeuE3XwNM

Henna and I gave a speech at our best friend, Poulomi's, arangetram. Love her!

Another part of the best friend group, Rupal and I helped out at an arangetram that required their girls to have matching saris!

Post-2010 recital :)

During one of many performances!

With the recital and photoshoot coming up, there's bound to be tons more soon.


kruti.com <— explore at your own will.

First is the Worst

Perhaps the worst part in starting a new project is not knowing what to expect out of it. It's almost impossible to tell whether the outcome will be good or bad, worthy of your time or... not. But there's always that small part of you that tells you to take a leap of faith, to strive for the best, and to work that much harder at the new project, anyway. 

It's amazing what things we begin to do once we let go of that fear factor. We cliff dive, begin new relationships, and even start a blog.

My fear was once letting people read my imperfections, but not anymore. It may not be a new year, and I may not have a specific reason to start something brand new, but sheer curiosity takes over as I wonder what possible things I might let my mind publicly wonder about.

My name is Reema Ukani. I'm a small town girl, born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Lilburn, Georgia. I was once afraid, but not anymore.

Cheers to the new blog!