Step into the vibrant world of Suvina Mahadaw: dance star, instructor and cultural dynamo

IOL News

4 days ago

Suvina Mahadaw is living out her childhood dream, sharing the joy of Bollywood dance and South Asian culture with audiences across KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.
Image: Supplied
Meet Suvina Mahadaw, a vibrant force on and off the dance floor.
At 34, this Durban-born dancer, instructor and lifestyle content creator is living out her childhood dream, sharing the joy of Bollywood dance and South Asian culture with audiences across KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.
We caught up with her to chat about her journey, passions and the meaning of dance in her life - fittingly during a year when more people than ever are looking to celebrate and connect through culture and movement.
Mahadaw currently resides in the scenic coastal town of Ballito, but her story begins in Phoenix, Durban.
'I am originally from the beautiful Phoenix,' she said with pride. It's there that her love for Bollywood dance first took root.
'Growing up with Bollywood movies and music, my dream as a kid was to be like the Indian Bollywood actresses I saw on screen - watching them dance and wear all those beautiful outfits. That inspired my love for dance from as young as six.'
Encouraged by her mother, Lekha Mahadaw, she was enrolled in dance classes where her journey officially began.
Interestingly, Mahadaw's foundation spans two very different styles. 'I started learning ballet and Indian classical dance - Bharatanatyam - at the same time,' she recalled.
Later, she expanded her repertoire at university to include jazz, contemporary, salsa and belly dance.
'I left ballet just before my pointe work, graduated in Bharatanatyam under Kumari Shiksha's Dance Institute, and even completed a one-year teacher's diploma.'
Today, Mahadaw's choreography reflects this wide-ranging training.
'My choreography is a combination of various dance styles. Every form is beautiful in its own way. You will find belly-bolly (a mix of belly dance and Bollywood), hip hop Bollywood and salsa Bollywood for partner dances.'
She also teaches a variety of classes tailored to different levels.
'There is BollyFit - a keep-fit class with Bollywood music for beginner dancers - and an advanced class for those who have danced before and want to perfect their style, expressions, and technique, often mixing genres to Bollywood songs.
"Every Bollywood style is energetic, so you are definitely in for a workout.'
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With years of experience under her belt, what stands out the most?
For Mahadaw, every show is meaningful. 'Each event or performance is one for the books because it allows me to gain more experience than the last. It's always special when a client selects and trusts me and my team to entertain their family and guests.'
But one milestone, "Dancing with the Legends 2" by Eastern Move Productions, holds a particularly cherished place in her heart.
As a dance instructor, Mahadaw finds the greatest reward in seeing her students shine. 'Watching them perform on stage, seeing the joy on their faces - that's the best part.'
She keeps her own inspiration flowing by paying attention to what is new. 'Thanks to TikTok and YouTube, there is a different trend almost every week. And sometimes, just going back to the basics is as amazing as chasing a trend.'
When she is not teaching or performing, Mahadaw is busy building her lifestyle content.
'My life is extremely fun and exciting - I work in hospitality and entertainment. On my days off, I love doing something adventurous with friends and family, from 6am snorkelling on the North Coast to trying out new restaurants. I love sharing these experiences with my social media family,' she said.
Balancing it all takes intention. 'It can get overwhelming, so I dedicate one day just for me to recuperate and recover. I also spend an hour each morning listening to music while getting ready for work.
"I believe my energy is passed on to my team and students, so I must keep my spirits high.'
As for her favourite self-care rituals? 'Going back to basics - enjoying a cup of coffee at the beach, a simple bubble bath or watching a feel-good movie.'
For Suvina Mahadaw, Bollywood dance is more than just a performance.
Image: Supplied
For Mahadaw, Bollywood dance is more than just a performance.
'When you hear Bollywood dance, you feel the energy. It's the vibe, the music - it's a culture, a very positive culture on its own that automatically brings a smile to my face. If I hear a Bollywood song at a random event, I am instantly in a good mood,' she noted.
Showcasing South Asian culture is also deeply important to her. When asked for her instant mood-boosting song, she laughed.
'Worst question to ask a dance instructor! Anything with a happy beat. But if I had to pick, it would be Toploader's 'Dancing in the Moonlight', or the classic Bollywood track 'Desi Girl (From 'Dostana')'.'
She also lit up talking about style. 'I'm a huge fan of Indo-western outfits - gorgeous, easy to wear and mainly comfortable. I love how designer Masaba Gupta transforms simple outfits with Indian prints. Locally, I found a brand called The Desi Closet that sells outfits true to this vision.'
If she weren't dancing? 'Well, dance is my passionate hobby. But I also fell in love with the hospitality industry at a young age. During the day, I run a beautiful breakfast restaurant in the heart of Ballito - and after hours, I'm spreading the Bollywood love,' said Mahadaw.
Asked to name her ultimate Bollywood style icon, she said there are too many to count. But if she could perform with anyone, it would be her Bollywood idol, Shahid Kapoor.
Most of all, Mahadaw is proud of the relationships her journey has cultivated. 'The friendships I've made over the years - even keeping in touch with the very first bridal couple I performed for, thanks to social media - that means everything.'
Her advice to aspiring dancers?
'It's never too late to start. Many ladies my age tell me they missed the chance to learn dance when they were young. I always say: just begin.
"And for young dancers, discipline is important, and consistency is key. It sounds cliché, but those two things will help you succeed in your own strengths.'