By Alesha Capone
Wyndham Vale’s Rethika Ravi loves teaching others, whether she is in a dance studio or a university lecture hall.
Dr Ravi moved from India to Melbourne in 2000 to pursue her masters in applied microbiology and biotechnology. She also has a doctorate in oncology.
She now works as a lecturer at Victoria University, teaching nursing and paramedicine students.
From the age of five, Dr Ravi was trained in the classical Indian dance of Bharathnatyam, along with singing and painting.
Dr Ravi said that because of her passion for dance, she founded the Shakthiswaraa School of Dance last year. She teaches classes from her home studio.
Dr Ravi said that as a teacher, whether in the arts or medical field, it was important to always be approachable.
“I love teaching, especially when students who come to me with no background in dance and they graduate,” Dr Ravi said.
“I love to see them get on stage and have that confidence to perform, it gives me so much satisfaction.”
A video of Dr Ravi performing a dance piece, alongside her students Priyanka and Rakshana, was recently streamed live online, as part of Wyndham council’s Ghost Light online series.
The initiative aims to showcase local artists during the COVID-19 pandemic, by filming them performing on stage at the Wyndham Cultural Centre. The videos are available for residents to watch via the Wyndham Together website.
“I’d like to say thank you to all those lovely people who left positive comments and reviews on our video,” Dr Ravi said.
Details: wyndhamtogether.com.au/ghost-light-rethika-ravi/
