Welcome to my profile; we can never know someone enough but I trust this profile will give you an initial insight...

Fortunate Fact: My name ‘Rupal Gandhi’ sums up how I perceive life, people and places: ‘Rupal’ which means ‘full of beauty’ suggests my belief and endeavor to see the beauty and bliss in everything. ‘Gandhi’ my family name quite possibly explains the root of my grounded principles as I have the privilege of being the decedent of ‘The Great Mahatma Gandhi’. Having such a role model as an ancestor had a natural impact of being wired (& making every attempt) to follow his noble ways in the situations life presents me with.

About Me: I was born in Gujarat, India; however my family migrated to London, UK when I was seven years old. My childhood therefore is lies between these two very diverse countries; I have taken the best leaf's from both cultures which has molded me to be who I am today . I grasped the opportunities presented to me in the UK and my interest for Architecture and the Built Environment led me to pursue a degree in a technical science subject; BSc (Hons) in Commercial Management & Quantity Surveying. After having worked in number of development and infrastructure projects; currently I’m a practicing Quantity Surveyor working in the Rail Sector to enhance London’s Transport Network (which we Londoner’s take real pride in!).

A Special Find: At a young age, I explored various extra curricular activities such as Photography, Journalism, Sports including playing for the school netball team, being a striker in an all-girls football team…. and many more until life introduced me to Dance!... Since I entered the world of dance and performing arts – I have never looked back – ‘It’s a way of life for me, a special find I hope to keep for life’. My specific discipline is a Classical Dance form known as Kathak, which originates from North India. However, my passion for dance & creativity engages my interest to learn about the roots and disciplines of various dance styles from across the world.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Why Couchsurfing: I'm pleasantly surprised at how great this portal is! What an amazing way to interact and with new individuals from all walks of life, cultures and background. Despite how different we may be - we have one thing in common, before speaking/meeting - 'A Desire to Travel & Explore The world'... This is a natural icebreaker! I'm very pleased to be on this portal (which a very special CS friend introduced to me) - I hope to maximize its effectiveness in future travels!

Why Travel: My profession coupled with my creative interests in writing, photography, and intuitive nature to learn about ‘LIFE’ - people, places and cultures is why I enjoy travelling. From a technical point of view; through travelling, I have the opportunity to see/ study buildings, structures and architecture. From a creative point of view; it provides fresh energy and insights, which empowers me to recreate. From a personal point of view; travelling enhances my individual development and is a rejuvenating experience which is also rewarding. It gives me the chance to reflect on life’s challenges and episodes; consequently work out how I can come back stronger for future endeavors.

To Break All Time Fears: In one lifetime & potentially trough travelling, if I can ever overcome my fear of living things: from pets, to sea creatures to moths & mosquito’s, this would certainly fall into my highlights list (but I’m far from that for now and this is not a fear I must certainly work on...).

Interests

• writing
• performing arts
• design
• photography
• dining
• socializing
• music
• travel
• theatre
• choreography
• vegetarian cooking
• creative writing
• kathak
• my family
• arts & crafts
• teaching dance
• video editting
• gift shopping

Music, Movies, and Books

Pass Time Pleasure: I enjoy listening to music, reading, writing, watching movies (though I prefer to filter through the movie list by watching only what’s highly recommended & 'must to see'). Living in London, otherwise known as 'Theatre Land' has exposed me to remarkable theatre plays; which the artist in me loves! Additionally I like socialising and spending quality time building memories with those near & dear to me. They know who they are, as the fortunate few would be at the receiving end of experiencing my embracing culture.

Books: The Secret, The 7 Ahas Of Highly Enlightened Souls, by Mike George
Music:
- English: Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Craig David, Usher, Toni Braxton, R'N'B, Grew up listening to Garage (DJ Luck & MC Neat).
- Hindi: Living Legend Lata Mangeshkar (We share the same B'day!), Asha Bhosle, Sonu Nigam, A. R. Rahman, Shreya Ghoshal. 90's Bollywood Music was my favourite era!
- Indian Classical: Music composed by Kathak exponent 'Pandit Birju Maharaji'

Additionally:
Theatre: Wicked, Lion King, Matilda, Cinderella - Pantomime, Stomp, Anita & Me, Laila. Cirque du Soleil

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Highlights: I have strived towards 'amazing moments' so have more than ONE to share;
These are associated with my journey of Dance & Choreography...

1) To be in Special Performances in association with 'renowned celebrities & personalities':
• Charity Diwali Event - with chief guest Jackie Chan
• Zee Asia Live, Wembley Conference Centre - with Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, Singer Stereo Nation
• The Spring Awakening Dinner - with Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan & director Rakesh Roshan
(To raise money for NSPCC; National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)
• Kalashram Festival, Dinner, Meet & Greet - with the living legend of Kathak Pandit Birju Maharaji
• Brent Council Festival - ‘Best Female Performance Award' for 6 consecutive years - Oct '99- Nov '04

2) To participate in 'Onscreen Opportunities' - Television & Film Releases:
• Bollywood Film Premiere “Legend of Bhagat Singh” - with actor Bobby Deol
• Bollywood Movie ‘Sambar Salsa’ - played character of a daughter-in-law - with Rishi Kapoor.
• BBC Release "Footballer’s Wives" - Backing Bollywood/Bhangra dancer - with ‘Amber Gates’ (Laila Rouass)

3) To be the Founder of Classic Creations (CC);
A vision close to my heart, providing bespoke Choreography services.
• Visit my Website: www.classic-creations.co.uk (under construction, please return)
• Like my Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RupalGandhiClassicCreations/
• Follow me on Instagram: rupalgandhi_cc
• Read Magazine Release:
Online Article: http://www.asiana.tv/wedding-article/dance-tuition-choreography-rupal-gandhi

4) To be the face for Designers/ Photographers/ Make-Up Artists (Modelling Opportunities):
• View Profile on StarNow: https://www.starnow.co.uk/rupalgandhi

Please contact me for suitable Modelling, Dance and Choreography Projects. To discuss your project and potential queries do not hesitate to get in touch (Ps. email preferred).

Teach, Learn, Share

Share: In most of social situations; I am the organised one with my 'Selfie Stick'... Always ready to 'snap away' or 'shoot away' (thanks to the advances of smart phones!) I enjoy capturing memories in a tangible form: be it pictures, recordings, write-ups, poems (which I later share with fellow members). I often make artistic and creative video edits, which is an accessible way to reflect on experiences.

Teach: Time permitted I would be glad to host a dance class & teach a potential routine incorporating styles such as Salsa, Ballroom, Folk Dance, Bollywood, Bhangra & of course my discipline Kathak - which I'm sure may be useful in the future if not the next party or event you attend :-) Alternatively I trust it will be a great memory during your trip.

Learn: I would love to work through my bucket list...
- For all IT/ gadget wizzes out there; I would like to brush up on my IT skills and become better at the constant advances in technology that I can't keep up with!
- Cooking: I would love to learn how to make Sushi, Dim Sum, Thai curry's from scratch, deserts/ cakes.
- Reading: Always keen to know of good reads & recommendations.

What I Can Share with Hosts

For those Hosting me:
Given I'm a British Asian, I lead to two very diverse lifestyles. Beyond sharing experience's from London's fast paced & cosmopolitan lifestyle, which offers something for every culture & is truly the land of opportunities. I'm proud to say I have sustained the richness that comes with the Indian culture. I have represented ‘Incredible India’ on a Dance tour to promote Indian culture, heritage at tourism in six cities across UK, including Jersey, Bournemouth, Newcastle, Bristol, Leeds & Glasgow. Therefore I can certainly share knowledge of India and additionally share a traditional authentic Indian experience be it cooking 'round chapatti's' and making a full Gujarati meal, to Punjabi dishes from North India & of course can't forget our famous Bombay street food! In case anyone likes to escape spicy food - I'm confident with cuisines such as Italian, Lebanese, Mexican, Chinese (excluding Dim Sum)!

For Couchsurfers/ Meet Up opportunities: If I’m not in a position to host you, I would certainly be delighted to meet up and show you around some of London’s best kept secrets ;-) introduce you to the world of dance and of course show you our quirky bars, beautiful national parks.

Ps. Note I have always juggled two professions and therefore lead a relatively busy life in London; but with a bit of forward planning, I would be happy to co-ordinate diaries to suit your travel plans.

Thanks - Until our paths meet ... Happy Travelling!

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Cambodia, Croatia, Cuba, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Laos, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

India, United Kingdom