Making time for me

Four well-known women tell Stephanie van der Plank how they find peace of mind, whether it’s a long soak in a warm bath brimming with essential oils, or escaping to a secluded family farm for a little quiet downtime...

- Stephanie van der Plank

‘When I need to clear my head, I’ll tend to my vegetable garden’

Versha Magan, 48, lives in Joburg’s southern suburbs. She runs her dance studio, Jazzy Masala, and is the go-to person in Gauteng for traditional Indian Kathak and Bollywood dance lessons.

I treat my weary muscles to a hot-stone massage once a month. Dancing is tough on the body so, after a really long month of classes and rehearsals, I book myself in at the Prana Wellness Centre, down the road from me, where I know I’m in good hands. I feel on top of the world after each session.

A glitzy girls’ night out is something I always look forward to. I’ve grown very close to some of the ladies I teach, and we try to get together once a month for a night on the town. We’ll pick a restaurant that has something for everyone’s tastes, and feast on a delicious dinner, before heading to the theatre for a great show. Naturally, we tend to choose dance performances, which are so breathtaking to watch, and always leave us feeling inspired.

Period dramas are my guilty pleasure. The costumes are amazing, the settings are stunning – whether it’s the grand castles of Westeros in Game of Thrones or the elegant manor in Downton Abbey – and the characters have a way of reeling me in. I often stream episodes, so when I’ve got a gap, I’ll cosy up on the couch with a cup of green tea and travel back in time. My troubles always seem so tiny compared to those the characters face!