Lifestyle

A day in the life of Ria Serebryakova – 285K+ Instagram Followers

Published

5 years ago

December 2, 2019

The Model Ria Serebryakova – known on Instagram as Riasalvation, quickly wrapped up more than 285K followers on Instagram. We take a look at why she’s so popular and if there are any social media lessons to learn from her:

Ever since I first saw Ria’s face in the AG Hair commercial on TV, I sat up and took notice, realizing that this girl is going to get far in the modeling world. Her fresh-faced innocence combined with her natural beauty and brooding gaze was all that I needed to instantly go searching into where she had materialized from and to want to follow her every career step from that moment on.

Well, part of that wish was literally realized when I was asked to spend a day with Ria at a photoshoot somewhere in New York. This was a perfect opportunity to learn more about her and to watch her at work.

Even though it is 8 am when we meet in front of the studios she looks ready to tackle the day. The studios are abuzz with people carrying in clothes, shoes, accessories. People are setting up cameras, lights, hair styling accessories, makeup pallets and beverages.

I cannot reveal any details about the shoot as these are to be announced later, but the clothes, shoes and accessories are gorgeous and expensive. Ria has worked extensively with some of the best designers and photographers in Europe and the U.S. since she was first discovered at the age of 18 in Russia.

Within that first year, she had already moved to New York and at her first fashion week in Paris, she did MIU MIU exclusive, both these are great achievements for a new face in the modeling world.

Ria has featured in the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Harper’s Bazaar, while she has also appeared on the 2016 “Never Hide” campaign for Ray-Ban and the 2018 L’Oreal Color & Co campaign. Her other clients so far include Forever 21, and Tory Burch.

In an interview a few weeks back Ria spoke about what the highlight of 2019 was so far for her. “Milan, 2019 the Dolce & Gabbana show at Fashion Week. We were surrounded by a fantastic team of hairstylists, makeup artists and the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation.”

I know that the photoshoot that stands out most for her so far in her career was the ‘Stranger Things’ inspired fashion shoot for Harper’s Bazaar. Ria says that working with the two young stars of the series, Finn Wolfhard and Noah Schnapp was far more fun than she expected. “I was afraid that they would be bored, but they were both as intent as I on making sure that we have fun as we shoot.” She continues on why it is still so memorable for her, “It was fun to see the contrasts of the featured high-fashion with the weird and the set was filled with dirt bikes, pools, wheels, Christmas lights, and beautiful outfits by Moschino, Versace, and Celine.”

As I watch the activities, I notice that Ria is quietly listening to directions from what appears to be the cameraman, while she calmly allows the hairstylist to get on with her hair.

The photoshoot begins and it is amazing to watch the progress of the day’s work. Everyone is working at a fast pace, but calmly and in harmony. Since this is the first time that I am watching one, I must admit that I was expecting to see the opposite of calm and a bunch of temperamental people.

During one of her breaks I catch up with Ria, and she says that usually, fashion shows are far more hectic than photoshoots. I notice that she does eat something light and ask her about how she keeps her 178 cm frame in shape. “I make sure that I eat a well-balanced diet and when busy like this it’s important to keep up my energy levels with light snacks and plenty of liquids.”

After six hours the photographer finally expresses that he is pleased with the day’s work and results. As everyone starts wrapping up, I reflect on what I know about her career so far and from what I see she not only has beauty on her side, but also the personality and temperament that make her easy to get on with, a huge bonus in the world of modeling.

Ria heads off to change out of the stunning outfit that she has been modeling into her own casual outfit that she came in earlier in the day. When she appears, face free of makeup, I am amazed at how her unusually beautiful features and blue eyes stand out. As we leave the studio together and I greet her, I notice that she doesn’t hail a cab, but walks away with a spring to her step. Now I realize how she stays in shape and forego the cab for a brisk walk back to work!

Lifestyle

Why Classical Dance Is Thriving on Instagram

Published

4 mins ago

April 28, 2025

Michelle Langton

For centuries, classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak have been treasured for their elegance, complexity, and storytelling prowess. But in recent years, these age-old traditions have found an unlikely stage: Instagram. From intricate mudras to rhythmic footwork, young dancers are captivating audiences worldwide, all in the span of a 60-second reel.

So, what’s fueling this revival of classical dance on a platform known for trends, filters, and viral challenges?

Instagram, with its visual-first format, has become an ideal space for artists to share their craft. Classical dance, rich in visual storytelling, translates beautifully into bite-sized performances that are accessible and engaging for modern audiences.

“Reels are short enough to grab attention but long enough to convey the essence of a classical piece,” says one of Spardha’s dance teachers, actively creating dance videos for the Instagram page of Spardha School of Music and Dance, an online platform for performing arts education. “You don’t need an elaborate stage or hours of performance; a simple backdrop and good lighting can bring your art to life.”

On Instagram, young dancers bring a fresh approach to traditional art. They skillfully blend classical compositions with trending audio tracks, often choreographing pieces that resonate with younger audiences.

These videos show how classical dance can be relevant in today’s world as young artists reinterpret popular songs in classical style. Such performances respect the tradition, make it accessible to a larger audience by making classical dance relatable.

Social media has also given classical dancers something they’ve never had before: a global audience. Platforms like Instagram allow Indian artists to reach audiences in the U.S., Europe, and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.

And the feedback loop is immediate. Unlike traditional performances, which are confined to auditoriums and limited audiences, Instagram reels receive likes, comments, and shares in real time, creating a sense of community and encouraging more engagement.

The rise of online platforms for learning music and dance like Spardha School of Music and Dance has further fueled this trend. Spardha provides structured lessons in classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam and Kathak, and even Bollywood, making them accessible to young learners regardless of their location.

“Many of our students have taken what they’ve learned and showcased it online,” says a representative from Spardha. “It’s incredible to see them not just learn the art but also innovate and present it in ways that inspire others.”

By offering online classes, Spardha ensures that classical dance is no longer restricted to physical studios, enabling dancers to connect with their culture through dance no matter where they are in the world.

The success of classical dance on Instagram lies in its ability to blend heritage with modernity. The younger generation, armed with smartphones and a passion for preserving their roots, is making classical dance both aspirational and accessible.

Dance has always been about expression, and Instagram is just a new way of reaching people.