Celebrating Pooja! Interview #19
Pooja connects people with their passion, creativity and artistry through dance, music, & art in all of its beauty.
In a world where technology is taking over, Pooja believes dance connects us as a community of people and beautiful choreography reveals our humanity & heals us.
Pooja wanted to grow up to be famous and be a performer. She wanted to be able to connect people, and together, experience facets of her artistic abilities.
Pooja went through a period where she lost faith in her art & dance due to the competitive world in which we all live. With the help of a mentor, she returned to her devotion and since then has used her experience to help others find the “dance” that brings them joy.
Using three words to describe her life so far, Pooja chose; Creative. Gratitude. Loved.
When asked what she would like to share to inspire other women & girls, Pooja warmly expresses, “I would like to share my mission for artists and women to follow their path & passion. I have created a space for real connections, bringing our inner artists alive, & where together, we can flourish.” She explains, “We all have something to give back to the world, we only need someone who can believe in us and show us the path.” Pooja aims to do just that.
Her company, IKIGAI USA, allows artists to turn their vocation into their profession & helps people realize and express their artistic verve through classes and sponsored community events making dance available to everyone.
Pooja explains the inspiration for her company name, “Ikagai is a a Japanese word, the meaning of which roughly translates to a reason for being, encompassing joy, a sense of purpose, a sense of meaning, and a feeling of well-being. The word is derived from iki, meaning life, and kai, meaning the realization of hope & expectations.”
Pooja also supports artists from international markets, showcasing their work to the world.
Bravo Pooja!
Keep it up Pooja great job.
Attagirl Pooja !