Today we’d like to introduce you to K. Pendu Malik.
Hi K. Pendu, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story is quite interesting as I had the privilege of starting to teach dance while I was still training. I began teaching dance at age 14 under the leadership of my mentors, which gave me amazing training to become a great choreographer/instructor and performer. In my years, I have gotten to share my gifts performing in thousands of shows/productions with companies such as Dance Theatre of Harlem, Alvin Ailey, Nike, Royal Caribbean, Cirque Du Soleil and many more. These opportunities led to instructing at various places including Debbie Reynolds Dance studio in LA, Academy at Nevada Ballet and numerous studios around the US in about 30 countries worldwide. And of course through teaching, I got to choreograph for many projects including some for Cirque Du Soleil, Nevada Ballet, corporates in Las vegas, Zip zap circus in South Africa and much more. My gifts are to empower people to become the best version of themselves using the art of dance. Currently, I have a company named Afro sexy where I use Afrocentric elements with Burlesque to help women gain more confidence.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
My journey has been nothing smooth as I started in the ballet world and encountered many problems with body image and not being the right “type”. Once I left the ballet world, I still encountered all the politics and issues that come with dancing commercially and had to make my own way to get in the door. I never let an obstacle stop but only drives me to be more creative. These obstacles definitely helped me create my brand, Afro sexy.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have always been known to be “quirky”, cultural and creative. When I was strictly in ballet, I would always subconsciously add hip movements and other things that didn’t belong. My fashion sense was never “American” and or up to date with what’s popular. I always went against the grain and one day realized that it’s best to just be ME instead of trying to conform. So I went all the way there. I am known to always fuse technique (ballet, jazz and modern) with something Afrocentric and I am known to always be sensual (without trying). After years of just being an old lady in Toronto in one of my classes yelled out that what is so “Afro” and “Sexy”!! Right then, I knew I had something. So I am learning that it pays off to just be ME, authentically me!
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think being passionate is an important trait to have because if you’re passionate, then you’ll work hard and if you work hard then you’ll succeed at your goals. Passion has to be there or you won’t care enough.
Pricing:
- Private sessions in person starting at 60/hr
- Private sessions via zoom starting at 40/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: www.worldofpendu.com
- Instagram: @pendudance
Image Credits
Wayne Elliot Photography Jason Nious
