Keywords

artistic expression, cultural identity, personal growth, women's empowerment, dance, creativity, immigrant experience, self-discovery, resilience, New York arts scene

Summary

In this episode of Living with Dr. Monica Shah, Rachna Nivas shares her unique journey as a performing artist and educator, exploring themes of cultural identity, personal growth, and the challenges faced by artists in America. The conversation delves into the importance of nurturing one's desires, the impact of personal struggles on creativity, and the empowerment of women in their forties. Rachna's insights highlight the significance of embracing change and the power of artistic expression in navigating life's complexities.

Takeaways

Cultural heritage plays a significant role in personal identity.

Artistic expression can be a powerful form of activism.

The journey of an artist is filled with challenges and triumphs.

Personal struggles fuel creativity and growth.

Moving to a new place can open new opportunities.

Women in their forties experience a powerful awakening.

Nurturing your desires is essential for personal fulfillment.

You must be your own champion in pursuing your dreams.

Self-doubt is overcome by recognizing your true power.

Sound bites:

“Answer the intuition.”

"Wisdom is sexy."

"Your plan is actually blocking you."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Living

00:35 Rachna Nivas: A Journey of Artistic Expression

03:34 Influence of Family and Activism

08:45 Embracing Cultural Pride and Authenticity

12:05 The Unexpected Path to Arts and Activism

18:54 Deciding to Follow the Artistic Path

24:23 Confronting Financial and Societal Pressures

27:17 Challenges of Choosing This Path

31:09 Bridging Art and Activism

34:44 Confronting Loss: A New Chapter in NYC

39:30 Redefining Womanhood and Creative Power

41:32 Intuition as a Light Through Darkness

44:47 Embracing Age and Wisdom

47:31 Rewards of Risk-Taking

51:19 The Beauty and Power of Aging

55:49 Nurturing Desires and Going Against the Grain

01:00:13 Belief in Possibility

01:05:27 Where To Find Rachna

Rachna's bio:

Rachna is a performing artist, choreographer, educator, community organizer, scholar, and activist of Indian classical art. A radical artist whose practice is both deeply protective of tradition but also interrogative, her work is rooted in feminine consciousness and Eastern philosophies that challenge Eurocentric cultural paradigms.

She is co-founder and co-artistic director of Leela Dance Collective, and is building her own solo body of work in a generative chapter of her artistic journey.

As an educator and community organizer, Rachna also currently directs Leela New York’s thriving training institution. She was also a recipient of the New York Public Library for Performing Arts Dance Research Fellowship and is currently an artist in residence at 92NY's Harkness Dance Center.

Instagram: @rachnanivas

Website: www.rachnanivas.com

Keywords

creativity, uncertainty, intuition, career transition, creative career paths, overcoming fear, embracing uncertainty, trusting the process, life transformation, making a career change, full-time creative career, pursuing your passion, diversifying career paths, creative entrepreneurship, leap of faith in life and work, how to transition from a stable career to a creative one, using intuition and trust to navigate life decisions, art, personal growth, community, stress management, iconoclast

Summary

In this conversation, Ishita shares her journey from aspiring doctor to full-time creative director and choreographer. She discusses the complexities of identity, the challenges of navigating uncertainty, and the importance of trusting one's intuition. Ishita emphasizes the value of community support, the necessity of embracing stress, and the unexpected joys that come with a creative career. Her story serves as an inspiration for those contemplating a shift in their own paths, highlighting the importance of self-trust and adaptability.

Takeaways

Ishita rejects label culture, believing it limits human complexity.

Her journey involved a significant pivot from medicine to dance.

Embracing uncertainty is essential for personal growth.

Community support plays a crucial role in navigating career challenges.

Stress management is about controlling reactions, not the stressors themselves.

Diversifying career paths can provide stability in uncertain times.

Transitioning to full-time creativity requires a leap of faith.

Unexpected joys can arise from embracing spirituality and trust in the process.

Intuition is a vital compass for making life decisions.

Sound bites:

"Uncertainty is the rule."

"Stress is something that you choose to do."

"We're all making it up!"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Living

00:33 Ishita Mili: From Medicine toMovement

02:57 Accepting Complexity, Rejecting Labels

05:10 Jumping Off "The Path" With No Plan

08:26 Uncertainty As The Rule, Embracing The Unknown

11:37 Dealing With External Pressure And Critics

15:02 Stress As A Choice, Managing Your Reactions

19:37 Self-Care As A Necessity

21:22 Transition To Being A Full-Time Creative

24:49 Taking The Leap, Doubting The Decision

29:05 Developing Faith In The Journey

30:44 Surrendering To The Flow of Life

33:00 Trying Without Knowing

34:22 Intuition As Your Compass

36:10 Accepting The Path As It Unfolds

38:38 Where To Find Ishita

Ishita's Bio:

Ishita Mili is a Bengali American director, choreographer, and scientist. She founded [IMGE] Dance as a performance company based in dance, film, and music, and over the last 8 years, IMGE has built bridges across concert, commercial, musical theater, academic, and independent arts industries through their distinct intersection between Indian and American classical to street styles.

Ishita was awarded Artist of Exceptional Merit by the Asian American Arts Alliance, received a Folks Arts Apprentice grant under theNJ State Council of the Arts, and taught the IMGE methodology at Princeton University and Gonzaga University. She most recently completed the LabWorks '24-'25 cohort at New Victory Theater and received a 2025 Individual Artist Fellowship award from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

Ishita is also a deeply involved community advocate and activist. She is the founder of South Asian American Arts Solidarity (SAAAS), the co-host of the South Asian Performing Arts Summit, and is also the co-host of Kinetic Dance Film Festival.

Alongside her achievements in the arts world, Ishita holds a BS in Chemistry and MBS with a concentration in Drug Discovery and Development, and spent 5 years working in biotechnology.

Instagram: @ishitamili @imgedance

Website: www.imgedance.com