Rosina Bonsu: Insider’s Guide to Glasgow
Rosina Bonsu, dancer, choreographer, movement and yoga teacher with a beautiful and dedicated Ashtanga Community in Glasgow. In 2017 she was given the honor of being included in Saltire Society's "Outstanding Women of Scotland" hall of fame. Rosina came to Glasgow in 1984 to work with the Scottish Ballet. She never left since… We asked her to share some of her favourite places in her home town.
“Glasgow is a small and interesting city with a vibrant artistic life. A welcoming place with beautiful people, now also getting a reputation as a food capital too!”
Kia and Rosina on Eldon Street, on their way to Artisan Roast.
Name: Rosina Bonsu
Occupation: Teacher – dance, movement, yoga and a freelance performer.
Your connection to Glasgow: I came to Glasgow in 1984 to work with Scottish Ballet as the artistic director of their education company Steps Out. When I left the company I stayed in Glasgow.
Why go to Glasgow? A small and interesting city with a vibrant artistic life (European Capital of Culture 1990), free museums and art galleries. Also, there are many parks and green spaces with the countryside on the door step, national parks like Loch Lomond and The Trossachs and the magnificent lochs nearby. It is a welcoming place with beautiful people, now getting a reputation as a food capital too.
Rosina’s favourite places in Glasgow for…
YOGA: Rosina Bonsu Moves at the Arlington Baths Club. This is the oldest membership baths club in Europe sited in a gorgeous old building from 1870. All yoga classes open to non-members. Great space, light and warm – welcoming practitioners.
COFFEE: Kelvin Pocket – an independent, caring café with a wide clientele. Great staff, fabulous coffee, home made food, fantastic cakes, reasonably priced, artistic vibe. Artisan Roast - craft coffee roasters, so attention to the coffee! Lovely home made food on the premises, fresh, vegetarian food and great cakes too.
FOOD: Choices, choices! Ox and Finch – consistently tasty food, with a changing menu, small sharing plates. The Hug and Pint – vegan food in a pub, pan asian street food, always delicious. Rajit’s - a family run deli serving Punjabi food, near Tramway theatre. Tchai Ovna – tea house and vegetarian restaurant with over 100 teas! Eusebi – a real authentic taste of Italy, from a family passionate about food. Roots, Fruits & Flowers – Glasgow independent shop, supplying high quality fruit, vegetables, organic whole foods and bespoke flowers.
CULTURE: International venues for theatre: Tramway, The Citizens Theatre and The Theatre Royal. Jazz at The Blue Arrow. Free museums and art galleries. Festivals galore – Celtic Connection, Glasgow Jazz Festival, Merchant City Festival… and more!
INSPIRATION: The people! This is the working class hub of Scotland (with Edinburgh considered posh). Established Indian population, a university town attracting young people from all over the world.
PEACE: The Western Baths Club a quiet retreat in the heart of the west end, with spa, swimming pool, lounge and bar. The Botanic Gardens and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and surrounding park.
Workshop with Kia Naddermier at Rosina Bonsu Moves at the Arlington Baths Club in Glasgow