Nikita B

Bachelor of Arts (Hon), Bachelor of Social Work (Hon), Masters of Social Work (Hon)

After completing my Master of Social Work degree, I inspire to work as a clinical social worker to educate and empower South Asian clients, specifically youth, regarding issues of mental health, substance use, domestic violence, healthy relationships, etc. As a practicing social worker, I hope that I can positively impact the lives of the people I work with.

Through a friend who recommended the team.

Bhangra, Gidha, Bollywood, Hip Hop (sometimes)

No

Dancing, Figure Skating, Scrapbooking, Arts and Crafts, Blogging.

“Prabh Saini is my coach and the three positive things he would say about me are: – I’m always up for a challenge, – I can do whatever I put my mind to, and – I have the wittiest remarks back to him”

Over the years, I have learned many things from Prabh. Ever since I’ve known him, Prabh has had 5 things going on at once. And somehow, he does it ALL with a smile on his face. I’ve never heard him complain about being tired. I’ve never heard him say he COULDN’T do something. I’ve never seen him give up. Prabh continues to inspire me to continue chasing my dreams, and helps me believe in myself and everything I want from life. I will always remember that no matter how many things you have going on in your life, no matter how busy you are…you never stop chasing your dreams.

I’ve represented SPD on a plethora of platforms including WWE for an opening performance introducing Jinder Mahal. I have travelled to the United States and within Ontario with the team multiple times to perform at galas, cultural events and private events. As a part-time influencer, I also represent SPD on my Instagram account, @yourstrulynb.

I remember I was at the beach with my family when I got a phone call from Prabh. I must have been with the team for 5 months when he asked me to join him and some others to travel to the United States to perform at WWE. I think I must have laughed and asked “are you sure? Can someone else do it?”. He giggled and said, “I wouldn’t be asking you if I didn’t think you could do it”. The calmness and confidence in his voice made me believe in myself and I quickly said “I’m in”. I was completely uncomfortable, but with Prabh’s encouragement, I told myself that the only way I’d become a stronger and more confident dancer would be to take that chance.

“Getting into my Masters program has been my biggest dream, one of my biggest lessons and most challenging goal. I applied twice before and felt so disappointed in myself for not getting in. Regardless of the defeat I felt, it never stopped me from trying harder.

I worked VERY hard for five years. In the five years after finishing my first degree, i completed another degree, worked multiple jobs, met some of my bestest friends, partied (sometimes maybe too hard), and eventually landed my dream job.

As I look back on my journey, I see that nothing came easy. There were a lot of set backs…and as sad as I may have felt when things didn’t go as planned, I always pushed myself to find and do something that would get me one step closer to my goal.

I truly believe the universe has something greater for you. Always believe in yourself, work hard, never stop dreaming and trust the process.”

My best performance hands down was at WWE. It was my first ever performance as a member of the team. It was also my first gig. AND IT WAS LIVE! The whole day was a blur. We got our makeup done, met celebrities and performed for an arena FULL of people (which was also broadcasted LIVE). Looking back, I’m so thankful I pushed myself out of my comfort zone because this opportunity was amazing and one I will always remember. I’m also thankful to Prabh for seeing the potential in me so early on and encouraging me to try something new and exciting.

Honestly, all of SPD’s routines/segments are my favourite!

I choose to spend a lot of my spare time with family and friends. When I’m not with them, I make sure to spend time with myself and practice self-care. That can look like journalling, working out, scrapbooking, or eating a really good meal. Otherwise, I love travelling and exploring new cities. I really enjoy spending time at the beach. I also really love taking naps!

This is a hard question – the social worker in me is STRESSED! There’s so many problems I wish I could solve – racism, hunger, homelessness, gender equality, unemployment, etc. Every being deserves rights to basic human rights, and a shot at living a decent life. These are big problems that lay in the roots of our social systems, but as individuals, we can all make conscious choices to be better.

I joined SPD several years ago with hopes of reconnecting with my love for dance. I was in my mid 20’s at that time (and also one of the eldest people on the team). While I relearned and perfected my form, I also reconnected with my culture, met some amazing friends that have turned to family, and have had so much fun while doing it all. As a member of the team, my goals with SPD are to inspire people everywhere that age is just a number, and that you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it. I also hope that through the team’s dedication to dance, culture and each other, we continue to grow our family, and continue to gain recognition locally, nationally and internationally.

Yes, because it’s healthy.

SPD is more than just a dance team for me. It represents friendship, family, culture, community, unity, strength, resiliency and so much more. The team and every member in it has a very special place in my heart and I will always be thankful for our little family!