Srijeeta Mondal: A Dance Journey Rooted in Tradition, Rising in Fusion
Introduction: A Life Shaped by Dance
For Srijeeta Mondal, dance has never been just a hobby—it has been her life’s calling. Her story is one of early discovery, rigorous classical training, passionate teaching, and a fearless leap into new-age dance styles like Hip Hop. Today, she is known not only as a dedicated Bharatanatyam dancer but also as a rising instructor in Kolkata's dynamic dance scene.
Let’s explore the evolution of Srijeeta Mondal’s dance journey and the experiences that have made her who she is today.
The Early Days: Discovering Bharatanatyam at Age Four
Born with a natural inclination for movement and rhythm, Srijeeta’s formal journey began at just 4 years old when her mother enrolled her in a local dance class. Without fully understanding the depth of what she was stepping into, she began learning Bharatanatyam, one of India’s most revered classical art forms.
Formal Training under Dr. Thankumunni Kutty
In 2011, Srijeeta's classical foundation was firmly established when she joined the Kalamandalam Dance Institute. There, she trained under the iconic Dr. Thankumunni Kutty, a legendary figure in the Bharatanatyam community across India.
Learning under such a respected guru transformed Srijeeta’s discipline, expression, and technical ability. Over the next 13 years, she immersed herself completely in classical training, eventually becoming confident enough to start teaching a few students from her home.
This marked the beginning of her transition from student to dance educator.
Growing Confidence Through Competitions and College Life
Srijeeta didn’t just confine her talent to the classroom. She began participating in dance competitions throughout her school years—and won many. These early victories built her self-esteem and encouraged her to pursue performance and choreography seriously.
In college, her leadership skills bloomed. She became the lead dancer, choreographing group performances and mentoring juniors. The stage became her second home, and choreography became an exciting extension of her creative identity.
Covid-19: A Pause That Ignited a Deeper Passion
The Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 brought everything to a halt. Like many performing artists, Srijeeta faced an emotional void as studios closed and live performances vanished. It was during this phase of silence that she experienced a deeper emotional connection with dance.
As isolation set in, she realized how vital dance was to her mental and emotional well-being. This became a turning point, pushing her to explore other dance styles and dive deeper into the expressive side of her craft.
Exploring New Horizons: Joining Twist N Turns
In 2022, Srijeeta joined Twist N Turns, one of Kolkata’s premier dance studios, as a student in their New Town branch. Under the mentorship of Ashish Sir, she began learning Hip Hop—a bold shift from her classical roots.
Surprisingly, she fell in love with the energy, freedom, and storytelling in Hip Hop.
By 2023, her dedication was recognized. She officially joined the TNT instructor team as a Bharatanatyam fusion and Kids’ Hip Hop instructor. Her classes combined discipline with creativity, and she soon became a favorite among young learners.
Support and Growth at TNT
Working at Twist N Turns gave Srijeeta a platform to experiment and grow. The support from Tapas Sir and Nikita Ma’am, and the collaborative atmosphere among instructors, helped her fine-tune her class management, student engagement, and teaching strategies.
What Dance Means to Srijeeta Mondal
For Srijeeta, dance is more than movement—it's identity, connection, and spiritual growth. Through her years of dedication, she has learned:
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🟢 Discipline from classical training
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🟢 Creative expression from choreography
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🟢 Adaptability through fusion styles
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🟢 Empathy and patience as a teacher
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🟢 Community and joy from working with young dancers
Her journey shows how dance can evolve without losing its roots.
The Road Ahead: Dreams and Dedication
Today, Srijeeta Mondal continues to expand her horizons. She remains committed to:
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Exploring more fusion forms that blend tradition with modern energy
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Teaching children and helping them discover their love for dance
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Growing as a performer and choreographer in the Indian and global dance landscape
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Mentoring young dancers who are just beginning their journeys
Her message to aspiring dancers is clear: “Stay committed, stay curious, and dance with your whole heart.”
Conclusion: A Journey That Inspires
From a curious child in her first dance class to a confident instructor at Twist N Turns, Srijeeta Mondal’s story is one of resilience, passion, and continuous growth. Whether it's the precision of Bharatanatyam or the fluidity of Hip Hop, she carries her love for dance into every classroom and stage she steps on.
Her journey is far from over—and for anyone watching, it’s already a masterpiece in motion.
