Alisha Singh - "Ranchi ki Rajkumari" The Title Was Given By Mithoon Sir During DID and It Has Become My Identity Now (Choreographer).

The most important thing is to believe in yourself, because not everyday will be a cakewalk, not everyday will you have someone to motivate you, what you really have is yourself, it's You who needs to believe that you can make it happen.

1.Tell us more about your background and journey.

I am Alisha Singh, an ordinary girl from Ranchi living an extraordinary life. I grew up in a family of five in Ranchi, with major financial crisis as a family we stuck together through it all, my father being my greatest strength. He was the one who pushed me to work hard and believe in my dreams.

Little did I realize it was his dreams more than mine. He was the one who took me to my first audition for Boogie Woogie in 2003. I was the only participant that year to get selected from my state, Jharkhand and eventually won that year's kid's championship.

And there, A few years later I auditioned for a dance reality show named 'Dance India Dance'. It was 1st season and I was selected among the top 18 dancers from auditions all across India. It felt surreal, almost hard to believe. And after that my life changed.

I bagged one of the leads in a youth fiction show on Channel V named Dil Dosti Dance, after quitting that I became a Choreographer and was fortunate enough to work with the best in this industry.

2. When did you first decide you wanted to pursue dancing and how did you start?

My father was always fond of music and dance and always wanted one of his kids to pursue this as a career. When I was eleven he got me enrolled in a local dance institute and it wasn't even 3 months of training formally that I came across my first opportunity to audition for the biggest dance reality show, Boogie Woogie.

Of Course, my trainers at the institution didn't think I was ready to Audition for such a prestigious show. But my father was determined to take me, he had more faith in my abilities than I ever did. And there it was I was the only participant to get selected from Jharkhand that year and eventually won the championship.

If I had to owe my dream that I'm living to anyone it would be my father. He basically dreamt it for me and made sure I lived it. 

3. Who is your favorite dancer and why?

There are many, it's hard to choose just one because each dancer brings their own element on the stage and it's unique. I'm inspired by so many artists on a daily basis.

But if I had to, I, like every Bollywood lover would say Madhuri ma'am. She is so naturally graceful and has created a legacy. Growing up I remember watching her videos on TV and trying to enact her style, her adaayein. It's just flawless. In her words, 'Perrrfect'.

4. Can you throw some light on the opportunities one gets as a dancer?

As a dancer today there are numerous opportunities as compared to in the past. Social Media had opened gates for art from every corner of the world and there is no limit to achievements. Today a dancer can be an Influencer, can create their own YouTube channel and get recognized and earn through it.

Stage shows have gained massive popularity for dancers who enjoy performing rather than teaching, although teaching is another very successful career for a dancer. There's always room for Choreographers in the entertainment industry. The opportunities are endless. 

5. Is format training required or can one train themselves purely on the basis of talent?

Any art form whether it is dancing or music, training is what moulds an artist into becoming the best version of themselves. We're like clay, raw and talented but training gives a perspective into understanding our niche and polishing it through precision.

I believe if one gets an opportunity to train, ALWAYS go for it. Today the internet has made it so much more convenient. You could learn from the best, from across the globe with just a few clicks. 

6. As you have participated in well-known reality shows, how had your life changed and your future plans?

Reality shows come with its own challenges, there's competition to a level that demands a lot from an artist. It's like a training to what is out there. I have been very fortunate to begin my career with reality shows and today I am recognized because of it.

I remember during DID auditions when I was to dance on heels and attempt a style that I had never even heard of. Terence sir and his brilliant team were there to guide me, rigorous rehearsals and careful mentoring is what made every performance possible.

I was given the title as "Ranchi ki Rajkumari" by Mithoon sir during DID and it has become my identity now. I feel nothing but privileged.

7. What piece of advice would you like to give to the future and aspiring artists?

My advice to everyone who wants to pursue a career in the performing arts or for that matter anything that they want to. The most important thing is to believe in yourself, because not everyday will be a cakewalk, not everyday will you have someone to motivate you, what you really have is yourself, it's You who needs to believe that you can make it happen. Make sure you accept your dreams without criticizing it. 

8. Which is your favorite book and why?

I do love to read. I read Hindi books, short stories and poems. I'm very fond of reading poetry. I don't think I have a favorite yet, but maybe someday I read my name in a book and read about what more and greater things I've achieved in life and maybe we'll call that my favorite book.

Instagram: @alishasdancestudio, @alishasingh.official

Twitter: @AlishaSOfficial