Today we’d like to introduce you to Nusrat Umi.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Dance has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up Bengali, music, dance, and culture were always around me, but what started simply as something I loved eventually became something much bigger than I ever expected.
I started BmoreBollywood from my own love for dance and a desire to create a space in Baltimore where people could experience Bollywood dance in a way that felt welcoming, energetic, and accessible. I wanted people to feel like they could walk into a class regardless of their age, background, or previous dance experience and simply enjoy dancing.
What began with teaching classes gradually grew into performances, private lessons, wedding choreography, kids programs, interactive dance sessions, and opportunities to perform at cultural festivals, schools, weddings, corporate events, and community celebrations. Over time, I began building a team of dancers and instructors around me, and BmoreBollywood eventually expanded into BmoreBollywood / Umiverse.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the community that has formed around our classes. I’ve watched students walk into the studio nervous and unsure of themselves and later see those same students confidently performing on stage. Some of my students have been with me for years, and being able to watch their growth not only as dancers but in their confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
The journey hasn’t always been easy. Building something of your own while balancing work, family, motherhood, and life comes with a lot of challenges. There have definitely been moments when I’ve questioned whether I could continue doing everything, but my students and dancers constantly remind me why I started. Even during times when I’ve felt like dance was slowly leaving my life, walking into the studio and seeing everyone show up ready to learn has brought that love right back.
Today, BmoreBollywood / Umiverse is much more than what I originally imagined when I started. We teach children and adults, perform throughout the community, collaborate with different organizations, and continue creating opportunities for dancers to perform and grow. I’m incredibly grateful for how far we’ve come, but I also feel like we’re still just getting started.
At the heart of everything, my goal has remained the same: to share my love of dance, celebrate South Asian culture, create opportunities for others, and build a community where people can come exactly as they are and feel like they belong.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey hasn’t always been easy. Building something of your own while balancing work, family, motherhood, and life comes with a lot of challenges. There have definitely been moments when I’ve questioned whether I could continue doing everything, but my students and dancers constantly remind me why I started. Even during times when I’ve felt like dance was slowly leaving my life, walking into the studio and seeing everyone show up ready to learn has brought that love right back.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
One of the things I’m most proud of is the community that has formed around our classes. I’ve watched students walk into the studio nervous and unsure of themselves and later see those same students confidently performing on stage. Some of my students have been with me for years, and being able to watch their growth not only as dancers but in their confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
The biggest advice I would give is to start before you feel completely ready. I think a lot of us wait for the perfect timing, the perfect plan, or until we feel qualified enough, but you learn so much more by actually doing it.
I also wish I knew in the beginning that growth doesn’t always happen as quickly as you expect, and that’s okay. There were times when I questioned myself because things weren’t moving as fast as I wanted them to, but looking back, every small class, every performance, every student, and even every mistake was helping me build something bigger.
Another thing I’ve learned is that you can’t do everything yourself forever. When you’re building something you care deeply about, it’s easy to want to control every detail. Learning to trust other people, ask for help, and eventually build a team has been a huge part of my growth.
Most importantly, don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. Stay consistent, be willing to learn and adjust, and remember why you started in the first place. There will be moments when you feel discouraged or question whether it’s worth it, but those moments don’t necessarily mean you’re on the wrong path.
Pricing:
- $50month bollywood classes meets once a week
- $50month Hip Hop classes meets once a week
- Event performance: $250/dancer 6-10 minute performance
- private sessions: $60/hr (we travel everywhere)
- Interactive session: $350
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmorebollywood/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmorebollywood
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Bmorebollywood
