On The Dance of Life: Devika Chandnani | Performing Artist and Educator

“Dancing just created a space for me where I could do what I want and feel what.”Our conversation with Devika explores the profound influence dance has had in her life. From dancing to connect to herself, to dancing to lead others and create intimate spaces of trust. From dancing to shape and express parts of her identity to dancing to heal and fulfil––she takes us through the entire experience.The episode begins by delving deeper into the start of her journey with dance. She shares with us what initially drew her to the Horton technique and outlines her journey to now becoming a certified Horton instructor and teaching classes at The Ailey School, The Ailey Extension and at the Dance Theater of Harlem and WRArts.She then describes the feeling of connection, openness and accomplishment she's experienced throughout her life because of dance. A teacher who taught her what it means to lead. An NGO that taught her how to create intimate spaces of trust and moments of partnership. Her double major in data science which was easier to get through because of the rigorous focus she’s had to put on her mind and body. She then very courageously shares the idea of freedom and release through dance and its impact on identity and expression of love. She shares her coming out to her family and sheds a light on how that journey has been. We end by touching upon the work she does in dance therapy and immersive theater and how she hopes to do more of both. And we part with the thought that just like you can’t choreograph every movement in dance, you can’t choreograph every moment in life and at times the beauty in both life and dance is about the unfold. Reading Notes and References:Horton Technique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11-SMRY2ON0True Love Forever, Third Rail Project: https://www.trueloveforever.show/Devikas’ background: She is a certified Horton instructor and has taught classes at The Ailey School, The Ailey Extension, Dance Theater of Harlem and WRArts.Master of Science in Data Science at Fordham University.Worked with choreographers such as Francesca Harper, Adam Barruch, Andrea Miller and more.