Dancing Through Law School: My Artistic Journey

This Creative Talent has been shared by Chhayanshi Goyal, Campus Leader at Lawctopus.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background?

I am Shruti Kumari, hailing from a small town with a rich cultural heritage. My maternal side, influenced significantly by my mother’s upbringing in Varanasi, has instilled in me a deep appreciation for music, art, dance, and literature.

From a young age, I was immersed in dance, an art form my mother began teaching me early on. My father works in income tax, managing a demanding schedule.

Although our time together is limited due to his commitments, I have learned a great deal from him, especially about law, a field we both have a shared interest in. This blend of artistic and analytical influences has greatly shaped my perspective and skills.

What talent are you showcasing, and how did you discover it?

I am showcasing my dancing skills, a talent that I inherited from my mother due to her rich background in dance. My interest in dance was nurtured from an early age as my mother began teaching me, allowing me to develop and refine this skill.

This connection to my heritage and her influence have profoundly shaped my passion for and dedication to dancing.

What inspires you to pursue this talent?

What inspires me to pursue dancing is the deep connection it provides to my cultural heritage and the joy it brings to my life. While I don’t intend to pursue it as a profession, I am passionate about keeping it as a cherished hobby.

In my spare time, I teach Zumba classes to international students, and I aspire to continue doing so and potentially set up a similar initiative once I am more established in my career. This blend of personal fulfilment and teaching allows me to share my love for dance while balancing my professional aspirations.

How do you practice and improve your skills and how have you overcome these challenges?

I practice dancing regularly by dedicating at least an hour each day to it, using it as both a form of exercise and a creative outlet.

Balancing this hobby with my professional life can be challenging, as there are times when my work commitments prevent me from practicing as often as I’d like.

Despite these challenges, I make a conscious effort to stay connected to my passion by integrating dance into my routine whenever possible, ensuring that I maintain my skills and enthusiasm over time.

Can you share a memorable experience or performance related to your talent?

One of my most cherished memories related to dancing is from when I was around four or five years old. It was a special performance held at my father’s office—a rare opportunity for him to take time away from his busy schedule.

Usually, my mother would accompany me to these events, but this time, my father was there to watch. The experience was particularly memorable because, with his presence in the audience, I won the competition that day.

That moment remains special to me as it marked a significant personal achievement and a rare opportunity for my father to witness my passion for dance.

Who has been your biggest supporter or mentor in this journey? How has their support influenced your progress?

My biggest supporter and mentor throughout my journey has been my mother. From a young age, she has been a constant source of encouragement and inspiration.

Her support has been pivotal, not only in fostering my dance skills but also in encouraging me to explore various creative pursuits such as painting and swimming.

She has always emphasized the importance of nurturing my passions alongside my career, which has greatly influenced my development and enthusiasm for these activities.

Her belief in my potential and her guidance in exploring new interests have profoundly shaped my personal growth and dedication to my hobbies.

How do you balance your studies and your talent?

Balancing my studies with my dance practice can be a bit challenging, but I make it work by sticking to a routine. I dedicate about an hour each day to dancing, using it as a break from my academic work.

Even though my schedule can get tight, I always try to carve out time for my dance practice because it’s something I really enjoy. My mom’s encouragement to pursue various interests helps a lot, and her support keeps me motivated.

It’s all about finding that balance and making sure I stay connected to what I love while managing my responsibilities.

What does this talent mean to you personally?

To me, dancing is deeply personal. It’s not just a hobby but a way to honor my mother’s sacrifices. She gave up her own career to focus on our family, and she always wanted me to keep her passion for dance alive.

Every time I dance, I’m doing it not just for myself, but for her too. It’s a meaningful way to connect with her legacy and make sure that her love for dance continues through me.

How does it help you express yourself or deal with challenges?

Dancing acts as a form of therapy for me, especially during challenging times. When I’m feeling overwhelmed or burdened, letting my body move with the music helps me release those emotions. It’s like a magical way to express myself and find relief, turning my feelings into movement and rhythm. It’s a powerful tool for emotional balance and self-expression.

How do you handle feedback, both positive and negative?

I handle feedback, whether positive or negative, with a constructive mindset. My mother’s feedback is particularly valuable to me, and I take her suggestions very seriously because she knows my strengths and areas for improvement.

I also respect the feedback from my dance instructors, viewing it as an opportunity to grow. I see any feedback as a compliment, as it means someone believes I have potential and is invested in helping me improve.