Ravinda Cheema
(she/her)Survivor, Womanist and Belly Dancer
I want to share the joy of Belly Dance and Bollywood Dance. Becoming a Dance Instructor was my dream. I made it come true. I met Sarita Kalele and learned from her for three years. I fell in love with every song and the moves are fantastic fun. I hope that love can overcome hate in these current bleak times.
Ravinda was born into a Sikh Punjabi family in Leeds in 1961. She was estranged from her family at 21 when she refused an arranged marriage. Ravinda was determined to find her own way and choose a partner. She went to Sheffield University in 1980, and trained as a Primary School Teacher and enjoyed many years of teaching.
At 44 Ravinda took a brave step and made a dream come true, and became a Bollywood Dance Instructor. She leads workshops in a wide variety of venues on special occasions. She says she fell in love with every song – the moves are fantastic fun and great cardio exercise.
Now at 64, Ravinda has a long term partner and a son. She recently became qualified in Belly Dance and is developing her skills. She loves being outside and walking in nature. Beaches are a big favourite. She is a skilled amateur seamstress and loves being alone with her sewing machine. She is an avid reader. Yoga is another passion. Ravinda is also a great cook and enjoys bringing friends together. She loves live music events, especially the Blues, Rock and Roll, World Music and, of course, Indian music.