Introducing Ishita Pal

Ishita Pal is a dancer and choreographer from Bengal, India, whose work explores the diverse world of Indian contemporary dance. Formally trained in the Indian classical dance forms of Kathak and Manipuri, she brings movement, culture, storytelling, and curiosity together in her artistic practice. Much like a mixed-media artist, Ishita combines different styles, disciplines, and ideas to create work that offers new ways of seeing and experiencing a story.

Since coming to Louisiana, Ishita has shared a variety of stories through dance, including work inspired by her PhD research on stardust. As both an artist and a scientist, she uses dance to explore connections between seemingly different ideas and share what she discovers with her audience.

Through the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Dance Department, Ishita has continued expanding her movement practice while connecting with teachers, students, and fellow artists. She is currently learning tap and has enjoyed discovering its rhythmic similarities to Kathak.

Who makes up your art circle?

My art circle is made up of several interconnected circles. One includes the local artists in the community where I live, including the teachers, instructors, and students in the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Dance Department, along with the people I meet through community classes and events.

Another circle is the Bengali community in Lafayette and Baton Rouge, where I am able to reconnect with my roots. I also have a far-reaching circle of longtime friends around the world, including former artistic collaborators with whom I still imagine future projects.

At the center of it all is my mother, who has been the initiator, inspirer, motivator, and greatest critic of my art.

How do you expand your art circle?

Curiosity and courage, in that order.

What value do you see in having a creative community?

A creative community provides artists with the tools, opportunities, and connections needed to grow. Being surrounded by like-minded people creates a sense of belonging and offers a space to exchange ideas, learn new skills, and express oneself. All of these things are essential to the survival and development of a creative spirit.

Creative communities also shape the identity of a place. They add color both literally and figuratively, and they help create the spirit, energy, and character of a community.

How does your artistic approach contribute to your community?

My artistic approach is free-spirited and often exists at the intersection of different subjects, including science, culture, and movement styles. I have been told that this approach encourages others to step outside of the box.

I hope my work allows people to see the world through a lens they may not have encountered before, or makes an unfamiliar perspective feel more approachable. I enjoy exploring the connections between seemingly different ideas, and my art becomes a way of sharing what I discover. I am a scientist, after all.