It has often being said that anybody can dance but unlike others, Shruti Senapati has just figured out how. Ever since she was a kid, dancing would come naturally to her. Dance was not a source of entertainment but it was joy, love, sadness and every other emotion that can be expressed for our dancing star, Shruti. The proud Ranchiite is currently the part of a dance troop who have invented the ‘Kamagraphy’ dance, and successfully managed to qualify for the next round at India’s Got Talent. Shruti Senapati’s Instagram bio states that she is a simple girl who fell in love with dance. How did this love affair with dance begin? How did she manage to turn her passion into a living reality? This is what we’ll find out.
The nineteen year old girl had her dancing shoes on ever since she could walk. Looking back at her school days at St. Anne Girls School, Ranchi, wherein Shruti recalls being the cultural head and would love to perform in the front row, even if it was a group dance. As time progressed the exemplar dancer’s interest with respect to dance rose so much so that she went to almost every dance academy that Ranchi could possibly offer.
Shruti recalls, “I am a fast learner so I used to attend dance classes of a particular dance form for two to three months and then switch to learning it by myself.” Apart from all forms of dance that Shruti has imbibed over the years including belly dance, hip-hop etc., contemporary dance is her forte. Shruti has not only ventured in the realm of dance but is a trained gymnast as well.
Currently pursuing her graduation from St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi, Senapati remembers the turning point in her life, “There was a time when I didn’t take anything in my life seriously, including dance. I wasn’t bagging the first place in any competitions that I participated in. I used to laugh at my failures and it was then that my sister told me that I’ll only understand what it takes to be a winner when I shed my tear, blood and sweat for it. The next competition that I took part in was a district level competition called Dancedotcom. I slogged to give my best with hours and hours of practice. In fact I performed with a minutely fractured ankle and emerged as the winner. I was teary eyed with they called my name on stage. This was the moment after which I never looked back.”
The chirpy and bubbly girl is known to be popular at Xavier’s due to her performances. Shruti has won dance competitions at the Xavier Utsav fest in group and solo performances. Shruti has friends at Xavier’s who she considers as family and gives them credit for her success as well. Speaking about her friends she quips, “I am glad to have such a supportive group of friends. One of my friends being Aman bhaiya, who has helped me create my own YouTube channel.”
The prodigal dancer got discovered by her group due to her iconic performances at events held in Ranchi and also through her YouTube channel where she choreographs her own moves for the world to see. The dancer although states that she continues to face her own share of hurdles while gaining recognition on national television. Describing her struggle Shruti states, “I had to sacrifice a lot to be a part of IGT. I had to leave my father who recently got operated. My family faced a hard time financially and both my parents were unwell. I have almost missed a semester of college as well. By far this journey has been the most challenging one.”
Shruti’s father Nidhu Senapati who owns a General store in Ranchi adds, “Coming from a middle class family, it was our dream to see Shruti on Television. She has made all our dreams come true. I’m a proud father.” The twirling little girl has huge plans for Ranchi which doesn’t come with full-stops. Adamantly Shruti informs that she wants to be a choreographer and open her own dance academy in Ranchi. She wants to provide facilities for those girls and boys who can’t afford to enroll themselves in dance class. The girl dreams to change the face of Ranchi when it comes to art. Shruti says, “I want that the poor should also be able to learn dance if they’re passionate about it. I want to teach them for free as art doesn’t come with price tags.” Ms. Kabita Senapati, Shruti’s mother emotionally responds, “Out of all my four kids, Shruti is the naughtiest one but she is a ray of sunshine. We all miss her since the time she has left Ranchi. Nobody is here to dance at home and disrupt my daily routine. She is my son, daughter and everything all at once.” Currently Ranchi’s most loved dancer is rehearsing for 8 to 12 hours straight for IGT and setting an example for everyone who dares to dream. No matter where you are right now, if you’re willing to do what it takes, sky isn’t the limit. You are limitless.