Aishani Ghosh

Name of CAT: FABRIC Centre for Advanced Training Yuva Gati & Contemporary Strands

Student Name: Aishani Ghosh

Year started the CAT: Yuva Gati 2012 & Contemporary Strand 2017

Year left/graduated from the CAT: 2019

How did you discover the CAT programme?

I discovered the Yuva Gati (South Asian National strand) CAT scheme when a teacher from that strand taught a taster workshop at my weekly Bharatnatyam dance classes. After 5 years on the Yuva Gai strand that same teacher encouraged me to audition for the contemporary strand, after a joint piece was created between the South Asian and contemporary strands in our summer intensive.

What had been your experience of dance before the CAT?
Before joining the Yuva Gati strand I had very minimal dance training. I would attend my weekly Bharatnatyam classes and was completing my ISTD grades and also going to weekly Ballet classes. However, for a few years, before joining the Contemporary strand in 2017, I had performed for youth professional ballet companies. 2 years before joining the strand I had actually stopped all ballet classes and was only doing Bharatnatyam.

What has the CAT taught you?
The CAT scheme taught me so many valuable things that helped me throughout my degree and that I still use today. CAT created a safe space where I felt comfortable to start exploring who I wanted to be as an artist. They gave me the confidence and guidance to start to discover how I want to move as a dancer who does not want to be limited by one particular dance style.

Where has the programme led you so far?
Due to the support I got from the CAT scheme I just graduated from London Contemporary Dance School last summer where I got to work with so many amazing choreographers, artists and students. Since graduating I started freelancing and have worked with artists such as Vidya Patel and Dickson MBI. Most recently I just performed for Seeta Patel’s Rite of Spring on Sadler’s Mainstage.

What are any of your future aspirations?

I have no specific aspirations other than wanting to explore the world while dancing. I want to be able to learn different styles and cultures during my time as an artist which will shape the way I move. I just want to perform, create, and facilitate a safe space for everyone to dance in.

What advice would you give to a young person who is interested in auditioning?
To whoever is interested in auditioning, I would say just go for it. Enjoy the process and be uniquely you. Use the audition as a place to be inspired and meet people who share the same passion as you!

Anything else you think we should know?

Instagram: _aishanighosh
Image Credit: Rocio Chacon