Meet K. “Pendu” Malik | Dancer, Choreographer, Director, Movement Trainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with K. “Pendu” Malik and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi “Pendu”, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
My idea for my business actually came gradually over the years but really stuck with me when I was teaching a workshop in Toronto , Canada and this slightly older woman just blurted out that my class just so “Afro” and “so Sexy” and at that moment I was like “ah ha that’s it” During the course of my career I always loved fusing technical dance with moves of the African Diaspora and loved attacking them with sensual intent. At first I did it for fun but then it became a thing and everyone I taught or choreographed for always loved my choreography. Once I did all of the office stuff with logos, trademarks, patents and etc I had to make a mission statement and that mission is to empower women using dance, culture, sensuality and alternative art forms to explore our beauty no matter what size, color, background. We are all beautiful! And I do apply this to men but most of my audience has been women for the past 6 years but I definitely include men whenever they want to come.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art consistently focuses on dances of the African Diaspora, including West African dance, Soca, Calypso, other Caribbean dances, Samba, Capoeira, and others. I also use a technical base as I started out as a ballerina and have a strong modern dance background as well. The burlesque and sensual part varies as I believe in loving your body no matter the package so the very first thing to do with being sensual is to be CONFIDENT!

I am most proud of my 7 productions that I have put on over the past years since 2015 in Las Vegas and it would have not been possible without the help from other creatives that I have danced alongside or for. Putting shows together and doing workshops of this kind is not easy and I always seek my spiritual family for support with this along side my amazing family and friends. Lessons I’ve learned along the way are to stand strong, listen, be humble, be assertive, care about your artists and always remember that Less is more! This list could go ON and ON!

I want the world to know that my brand and my brand’s story began out of struggle and frustration for not fitting into the dance culture’s mold of beauty and/or body type. Also to be proud of your culture and the culture your ancestors came from . Lastly, I want the world to know that being Sexual is way different from being sensual and even though my company’s name is “Afro Sexy” we pride ourselves in being more sensual !

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well I have only been living in Atlanta for one year so I still do not know much about the social scene but if a friend came to visit me I would take them to what I know which is Ponce city market to go to Bar Vegan for some food, drinks and music and for the next day, maybe a hike at Cascade park. I definitely need to learn more about this amazing city.

Some of the most fun, interesting, exciting people and places are at 5 POINTS! I would surely tell everyone to check out that area, it reminds me of being in LA and NY all at once.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents for their endless support, My Grandparents for funding my career in my childhood/teen years and for their support, My Uncle “Robbo” for helping me to get to the next level and all the love from my teachers, mentors, aunties, uncles, cousins, siblings and close friends. I would like to thank many of my amazing jobs/training that have changed my life and some of them include NIKE, Cirque Du Soleil, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Alvin Ailey and much more. Lastly, to my husband Aamashep Nekhi! My love. I thank everyone who has had a part in my life and career

Website: www.worldofpendu.com

Instagram: @afro_sexy

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kishemapendu

Youtube: Worldofpendu

Other: Tik tok, @afro_sexy other IG are @pendudance and @afrosexypole

Image Credits
Wayne Elliot