Hello, I am Rhea Janwadkar, I am graduating from Boston University with a specialization in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, and Genetics, and I have developed a strong interest in translational research and the biotechnology industry. Through my academic training and research experiences, I have gained hands-on exposure to wet-lab molecular biology techniques and clinical research workflows. My background includes DNA cloning, PCR, gel electrophoresis, mammalian cell transfection, histological analysis, and clinical data collection across both basic science and clinical research settings..
I remember it all so vividly, the audience cheering for me, the rhythm of the tabla, the tunes of the sitar, and the melodious song playing in the background. It was April 6th, 2019, the day I performed my Rangmanch Pravesh, a three-hour performance where a Kathak dancer presents their art after many years of devotion, perseverance, and discipline, in front of a live audience. It was an exhilarating and memorable moment to perform in front of 300 people. I will never forget how dancing helped me defeat the anxiety and overwhelmed feeling I experienced that day. Kathak is a classical type of dance from India, the name is derived from the word Katha. Katha is defined as the art of storytelling, and that’s principally what we do -we tell the myths of gods, heroes, hunters, and demons. I started learning the Jaipur Gharana of Kathak in third grade. The 8-year journey has been full of challenges but it’s the determination and passion for dancing that got me through it all and led me to pursue my bachelors (the Kathak Rangmanch Pravesh), become a professional dancer, and train for my masters. It truly is an unforgettable and thrilling experience to be able to dance and express your personality and just be in the moment. I thoroughly enjoy dancing because it allows me to let loose, it gives me the freedom to experiment and communicate when words are insufficient. Dancing has been a stressbuster and has helped me immensely to express myself creatively through multifarious experiences such as rigorous training, choreographing dances, and even teaching. It allows me to express my passion, joy, determination, and peacefulness uniquely through various dance types. Dancing has instilled many qualities in me such as consistency, persistence, determination, and confidence. Followed by the accomplishment of my Rangmanch Pravesh, I had the opportunity to assist my teacher and impart this creative knowledge and understanding that I gained onto young aspiring dancers. It was gratifying to share my skills and encourage the students to pursue their dream. Though the pandemic hindered the training process for my masters, as live classes were now virtual, I adapted and recognized that it had presented me with an opportunity to improve my dance skills. For me, dancing is much more than an activity, it’s a way for me to express myself emotionally and uniquely. It’s the dedication and perseverance that drives me to work hard and continuously improve on my skills. The feeling I get when I’m on stage and dancing is something that words cannot express.