We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Trisha Mohta. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Trisha below.
Trisha, so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever had any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?
“The enemy of creativity is self-doubt”— a quote by Sylvia Plath that has remained my favorite of all time. During my years as a student, I was fortunate enough to learn from incredible dance composition teachers, each offering unique perspectives on dance, choreography, the creative process, life, and the world at large. Despite their varied approaches, they all agreed on one thing: inspiration doesn’t spark creativity. When I experience a creative block, I simply show up; I go to the rehearsal with my open and vulnerable self and try to make the best of what I have in front of me. Taking walks, watching art, reading books are all fine, but I have found my most eye-opening creations to be in the studio, with the dancers, just experimenting and having conversations. It took me the longest time to come to terms with the fact that it’s okay to have no plan; sometimes all you need is a break to gain some perspective.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a choreographer, performing artist and educator, interested in storytelling, building community and creating an inclusive environment. I enjoy exploring how interdisciplinary elements can aid storytelling and visualization to make art more accessible to all audiences. Dance films, site-specifics (pieces crafted for a specific place), and physical theater are my jam. In my creations, I try to imbibe patterns and cultural aspects, while pulling from the human behaviours I observe around me.
What truly excites me about my field is the opportunity to connect with people in a way that transcends words. Communicating through body language and expressions holds a rawness and authenticity that words simply don’t. I have the privilege of telling stories and passing down legacies, all while reaching people and shaping perspectives.
Currently, I am working on many projects including an installation-style piece using tape and flashlights with the choreography, and an Indian classical piece attempting to convey a story of womanhood. I am always searching for collaborators in the form of enthusiastic artists from all disciplines, so feel free to reach out to me via email or Instagram — I’d love to connect!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three things have been especially impactful in my journey: treasuring relationships, communicating effectively, and being resilient.
My family and the culture in India taught me to value the people around me — family, friends, acquaintances, and colleagues. I make an effort to stay in touch, check in, and show appreciation for their presence in my life. While we may show care differently at different stages, I believe it’s crucial to surround ourselves with people we aspire to be like and cherish them wholeheartedly. In a world that focuses so much on the ‘me’ (and there’s nothing wrong with that), I’ve found that a strong sense of community only uplifts everything we do for ourselves.
I have always been a planner, and love communicating detailed plans in advance. However, through trial and error, I’ve realized that effective communication isn’t about how we speak, but about how we’re heard. Try to think about the other person, step into their shoes, and empathize. You will not have trouble getting through to them ever again.
Resilience has been my biggest constant. Sending multiple follow-up emails, meeting with people multiple times, redoing drafts of a script, choreographing a piece and refining it again and again – it all determines how far your vision can extend to. Your dreams will only be as expansive as the time and effort you’re willing to pour into them. Focus your energy onto the one thing that you can truly control – trying again.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
My mother is a fearless woman. She has her gentle and kind moments, but when I think of her, I see a bold person who never succumbed to societal rules, protected her family through thick and thin, and raised her children to beat the odds. Growing up I probably didn’t realise the impact she had on me, but distance begets appreciation. My mother taught me to believe — in people, relationships, and the power of love. She taught me how to keep a calm mind in the face of adversity and focus on the bigger picture. She showed me how to pick my battles and win the war. Most importantly, she encouraged me to follow my heart and trust my instincts. Through her, I learned what it means to truly support the people you love, while never losing sight of who you are.
We often joke that my father is Professor Plum from the game <i>Clue</i> — glasses perched on the bridge of his nose, always reading, always learning. His curiosity knows no bounds, and he has made sure to pass that same passion for knowledge on to my sister and me. For him, there is no limit to learning. I have also had the privilege of inheriting his diplomatic skills and pragmatism, for which I will always be grateful.
From my parents and my younger sister, I learnt to balance my heart and head, work hard and play hard, devote time to my work while also nurturing my relationships, and use life to inspire me. If I have garnered any success in my life, I owe it to this family of mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.trishamohta.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trishamohta?igsh=MXU0cmpuOGgwaXV2ZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trisha-mohta?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@trishamohta2134?si=CNdXtwPcCNAa7mFd
Image Credits
Lead picture by Allison Lee Isley <i>’One Last Time, Valentine’ </i>picture by Justin Cho <i>’Safarnama’ </i>stage click by Alyssa Hartstein <i>’The Tree I Carry’ </i>pictures by Allison Lee Isley Indian Classical dance shot by Arindam Banerjee <i>’Let The Record Show’ </i>film set BTS picture by Benjamin DiGiacobbe <i>’Safarnama’ </i>studio BTS picture Abi Kutz <i>’Kolahal’ </i>stage click by Jeffrey George Light Painting photograph by Stephen Hurst
