Dancing her way through life, Driti Sisodia has nurtured a deep passion for dance since a very young age and has always been inspired by India's classical dance traditions. Alongside practicing the classical art form of Odissi, she enjoys writing literature, expressing her creativity through both movement and words. Driti has been learning classical Odissi dance at Nrityormi School of Odissi, Udaipur, under the guidance of Guru Krishnendu Saha, for the past year.

The Initiation

Sharing the story of her introduction to classical dance, Driti says that she first witnessed three live Odissi performances by her guru, Krishnendu Saha. Deeply inspired by the grace and expression in his performances, she approached him to learn the art form, eventually becoming a student at Nrityormi School of Odissi in Udaipur. She considers it an honor to train under him, describing her guru as her greatest inspiration. Driti shares that her path has been filled with joy, discipline, and continuous learning, and that the positive environment at her academy has helped her grow immensely as a dancer over the past year. Alongside her association with Odissi, Driti has also nurtured a love for writing. She began by writing articles for her school magazine, where she received constant encouragement from her teachers, parents, and especially her mother. Their support inspired her to continue pursuing literature, eventually leading her to write two books.

Gurus & Role Models

Driti considers her mother and her guru, Krishnendu Saha, to be her greatest role models. She shares that watching her guru perform on stage is a truly divine experience. According to her, his performances transcend technical excellence, making her feel as though the stories of the gods themselves are being brought to life through dance. She feels privileged to learn under his guidance and credits him with inspiring every student to connect deeply with India's cultural and spiritual heritage. She further shares that every celebration and performance at the Nrityormi School of Odissi is infused with tradition, spirituality, and cultural values, creating an environment where students not only learn Odissi but also develop a profound appreciation for their roots. Driti also expresses heartfelt gratitude to her mother, who has stood by her through every success and challenge. She credits her unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in her abilities for shaping the person she is today, inspiring her to pursue both classical dance and literature with confidence and dedication.

The Talent

Youngstar Driti shares that practicing Odissi fills her life with joy, peace, and a sense of fulfillment, making every step of her path a wonderful learning experience. She believes that Odissi is a beautiful classical dance form that not only enhances artistic expression but also nurtures personal growth. She further shares that regular practice and performances have given her both inner strength and physical confidence. Odissi has helped her improve her balance, posture, and overall body coordination while instilling discipline and self-confidence. Most importantly, she feels that the dance form has deepened her connection with India's rich cultural heritage, keeping her grounded in its traditions and values.

Achievements

Speaking about her achievements and cherished milestones, Driti shares that she has participated in the Annual Dance Showcase organized by the Nrityormi School of Odissi, where she had the opportunity to present her learning and passion for the classical dance form. One of her proudest accomplishments is securing a Distinction in her Odissi dance examination within just one year of training, reflecting her dedication and commitment to the art. Apart from excelling in the performing arts, Driti Sisodia is also a published author, successfully balancing her passion for literature with her pursuit of classical dance. Adding to her list of accomplishments, Driti shares that she has authored two books. Her first book, Let Her Fly, was written when she was in Grade 7. The book encourages readers to trust themselves, believe in their abilities, and build self-confidence, inspiring young minds to embrace their potential. Her second book, The Kindred Spirit, is a psychological suspense novel that she wrote in 2024 while studying in Grade 8. Through an engaging mystery, the book explores the psychological aspects of the human mind while challenging common stereotypes surrounding mental health. It presents a more compassionate perspective, encouraging readers to understand that psychological disorders should not be viewed through a negative lens and promoting greater awareness and empathy.

A Bit More

Author of two books, Driti Sisodia believes in the philosophy that once you commit yourself to a passion, there should be no looking back despite the challenges that come your way. Reflecting on her own path, she shares that learning Odissi has not always been easy, but every obstacle has strengthened her determination to continue pursuing the art form with dedication and perseverance. Driti further says that practicing the classical dance form of Odissi has brought her closer to her cultural roots. She credits the positive and nurturing environment at the Nrityormi School of Odissi for helping her grow not only as a dancer but also as an individual with a deeper appreciation for India's rich traditions. She adds that the academy celebrates festivals such as Guru Purnima, Basant Panchami, and several other cultural occasions with great reverence, beautifully blending spirituality with the practice of classical dance. These celebrations have helped her understand the cultural and spiritual significance of Odissi beyond its technical aspects. On a concluding note, Driti shares a message for all youngstars: "Stay connected to your roots. Embrace India's classical dance forms and classical music, as they not only nurture artistic excellence but also strengthen your connection with our rich cultural heritage and timeless values."