Same me, very different world

25th October 2024

It strikes me that hosting live events is a bit like travelling - same old me, but in a very different place. So it was over the last couple of weeks when I had a really enjoyable time working with the inspirational and wonderfully creative Devika Rao.

She's an Indian classical dance performer, based in Leeds, with a huge amount of experience as a choreographer and dancer across the globe. We met several times during my years at BBC Radio Leeds and she'd been a regular listener for my last 10 years on air.

We bumped into each other again when we were both working at the University of Leeds earlier this year. She invited me to co-host, with her, two celebrations of Indian culture, music and dance.

The first, at the exciting Nexus Leeds, was in partnership with Consulate General of India. The second (which had the bonus of delicious, home-cooked Indian food) was at Leeds Playhouse at the invitation of the fabulous Amy Leach.

On each occasion I chaired wide-ranging and fascinating discussions involving experts from the world of business, education, medicine, well-being and the arts with regular mention of the importance of keeping both body and mind healthy, through yoga and meditation as well as dance and music.

Thank you Devika! A journey into different worlds for me; part of my journey exploring new opportunities since leaving the BBC staff almost a year ago and world travelling which was so close to home I could catch the number 1 bus back home to Headingley!

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