Konversation with Negin Sarrami: Dancer, Birth Doula, Artist, & Improv Comic

For this week’s Konversation, we interviewed Negin Sarrami from Placerville, CA. Negin is a graduate of University of California, Berkeley and has a degree in biology. She currently works as a birth doula and is trying her hand at many different creative pursuits. She is also a passionate dancer. Learn more about Negin and what she can offer you in this week’s post.

Konversai: What does a typical day look like for you? This could include at work and/or outside of work.

Negin: A typical day for me includes some combination of working, dancing, reading in cafes, exploring nature, artwork, and doing improv. I dance in the evenings. I know a lot of people use mirrors to dance, but I shut out the lights, put in earbuds, and release. By effectively limiting some sensory input and amplifying others, I can really focus on my muscles expanding and contracting, especially by not looking in the mirror. It keeps me from being too critical and helps me actually expand my range of movement.

Konversai: How did you end up where you are today?

Negin: It definitely hasn’t been linear, but don’t we all know that? I’ve worked really hard to be who I am, and have made a lot of sacrifices. The day I stopped selling myself short was when I really began to grow into the woman I am today. I’m proud of her.

Konversai: What is your favorite thing about what you do?

Negin: I have an energy unique to myself—sultry, steady, and knowing, like a moment of intense eye contact. Anything I do with that energy just feels good to me. My favorite thing about what I do is, in practical terms, the fact that I’m with myself when I’m doing it.

Konversai: How did you decide to offer the sessions you offer on Konversai?

Negin: I had a friend recommend me the platform! She was familiar with my dance style and thought I would be a good fit.

Konversai: Do you have a favorite session that you offer on Konversai? If so, what is it, and why?

Negin: The belly dance session, of course. I emphasize staying open to what my student needs or wants to work on. This keeps things interesting and is definitely more beneficial to the student.

Konversai: What do you like best about being a provider on Konversai?

Negin: I like that it makes room for people to grow in their areas of interest without pressure. There’s this humility and eagerness to learn and share that I feel with this platform. User friendliness is also always a plus!

Konversai: Are there additional sessions you are hoping to offer on Konversai in the future?

Negin: I do have some other categories of sessions already, primarily related to my work as a birth doula (such as breastfeeding and prenatal preparation for labor). I would love to add tribal fusion sessions and targeted movement sessions to hone in on the flexibility and movement of certain parts of the body.

Konversai: Why would you encourage a user to book a session with you (something unique about what you offer)?

Negin: I would encourage students to take courses with me if they wanted someone to support them as they navigated through their own sense of sensuality and movement without judgement. I see myself more as a dance doula, if you will, than a strict choreographer. I give you the tools to move, and then you move in the ways that empower you. Dancing my own way healed me from years of abuse and trauma. I wouldn’t ever want to take control of someone else’s expression.

Konversai: Are there sessions that you are excited about taking with other providers on the platform? Which ones? What are you hoping to learn more about?

Negin: Yes! I’m eager to learn about Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

Konversai: What advice would you give to potential users who are looking to join the platform? What about specifically for other users who are offering sessions similar to yours?

Negin: Teach what you’re going to enjoy teaching so that you don’t disappoint yourself and waste your own time.

Konversai: What do you enjoy doing outside of work and Konversing?

Negin: I do improv comedy! I started by accident and kept at it because I was bad at it and wanted to improve. The days when I’m able to totally disregard how I think I’m being perceived by others are the days that I do the most memorable improv work.

Konversai: Anything else you want to share with our users and potential users?

Negin: I hate the “I don’t have time” excuse. We all spend way too much time playing Candy Crush and waiting for our phones to fart. First, focus on simplifying your to-dos in your life and free up time. Once that time is freed up, you can start to slowly add specific activities. You can find communities of people who do those things. You like Shakespeare? You can find a group for that. You like ballroom dancing? There are groups for that. Maybe cooking is your thing? Do a weekly dinner thing where you invite your friends over. You have no idea who you are or what you like doing? Say yes to the next thing that comes your way so you can narrow your preferences. You can make time for a little more joy in your life. Isn’t that so worth staying off your phone for an hour less in the evenings?

Interested in connecting with Negin one on one? Book a session with her on Konversai—a global knowledge platform that allows for one-on-one live video conversations with anyone, anywhere, about anything. Knowledge providers on the platform have the opportunity to make extra money sharing the things they know and love, while knowledge seekers can enjoy personalized sessions with a live human being catered to exactly what they’re looking to learn on any topic. Sessions are scheduled at times that are mutually convenient for both parties, and neither has to leave the comfort of their home.  All users are encouraged to both knowledge providers and knowledge seekers on any and as many topics as they wish. Any and all knowledge, skills, and experiences have a place on Konversai—the only limit is your imagination. Konversai’s mission is to democratize knowledge, put the human connection back into the heart of technology, and make the world better by enabling meaningful and authentic conversations that can improve people’s lives. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of realizing this mission. Join Konversai today!

By Pavita Singh

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