International Dance Day 2024: 'Dancing Is Everything to Me,' Says Nidhi Kumar

Nidhi Kumar was a true innovator, creating dance videos on Instagram when the platform was still young. And soon, her passion helped her rise from online dancing star to owner of her own NKD studios, taking the UAE dance scene by storm. But Nidhi's impact goes beyond dance – she's a champion for the dance community and has put Dubai on the map for both dance and content creation. She even stepped into the world of reality TV by appearing on 'Temptation Island India' with her partner Mohak Malhotra. In this exclusive interview with WhosThat360, Nidhi Kumar opens up about her lifelong love for dance, the challenges, and the inspiration that keeps her moving.

Photo Credit: Nidhi Kumar

What does dancing mean to you?

Dancing is everything to me. It's what I do when I wake up and when I go to sleep. It is my way of expression, a way to get my body moving. It has also become my career over the years, and I am glad I can do this every single day.   

Your go-to song for dancing?

My go-to song for dancing has to be Kala Chashma, of course!

Your favourite dance form?

I am a complete Bollywood buff, through and through, so I would have to say Bollywood. Having said that, I love to try out different dance forms that challenge me and teach me something new. 

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As someone who has been on a reality show, and own dance classes as well, what was more challenging?

It's a difficult one to answer because both of them have their own sets of challenges. Being on the reality show was draining because I had to be away from everyone I loved for a long time, and you let everyone into your life at that point. Being an entrepreneur & dance teacher has its own sets of challenges. It is taxing on the body and mind. Your body could be in a lot of pain, but you still have to push through. Thus, I don't think I can choose this one!

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Can you share some challenges you have faced as a dancer?

As a dancer, there are a lot of challenges you can face. Firstly, since the job is very physically demanding, your health does oftentimes end up taking a toll. Secondly, I'm from Dubai, and when I started, no one danced on social media; I had to do it all by myself and reach where I am today. Dancing is a demanding career but very satisfying, so it made all the challenges worth it.

Who inspired you to dance?

My father. Everywhere you go, he is still the life of every party and has to be dragged out of the dance floor, so he was the person who inspired me to dance.

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People say the entertainment hub is in Mumbai. Staying in Dubai, do opportunities come easy? Or do you think that if you were in India, more opportunities would have come easily?

Mumbai is, without a doubt, the entertainment hub, and I am sure that opportunities would have come easily if I were situated in India. But Dubai is my home, and not only have I created opportunities for myself, but I've also done so for hundreds of UAE dancers who now post videos every single day. It took me five years, but I have carved out my niche in Dubai as a dancer, and I am very grateful that many opportunities come my way. UAE is now a big talent hub.

A dancer you would love to collaborate with? 

I would say two of my dancing idols. I have worked with Hrithik Roshan on an ad before, but we did a small dancing part together. So, I would love to collaborate with Hrithik Roshan & Madhuri Dixit. 

One myth you would like to break about being a dancer?

It's a myth that is shattering all across the world, but I am glad I can be a part of breaking the myth that dancing is not a full-time career. In the time we live in, people earn their livelihood through professional dancing, and soon career opportunities are just going to keep increasing.

One compliment about your dance from anyone that always brings a smile to your face?

“Your dance made me feel something," is the biggest compliment any dancer could receive. Dance is our currency of communication, and when someone can cash in on that, there is no greater feeling.  

Lastly, any message to dancers all over the world on International Dance Day?

To all the dancers out there, may you always keep dancing, and supporting one another. We should always remember that dancing is a community activity, and support plays a massive role in this. And yes, take care of your bodies!