Devanshi Mishra

Artistic Director & Founder

Devanshi Mishra's artistic journey is as layered as the rhythms she choreographs. An award-winning dancer, educator, and arts leader, she has dedicated her career to building bridges between tradition and innovation, culture and community.

Roots in Chandigarh

Devanshi began dancing at age three, and her formal training in Kathak and semi-classical South Asian dance was grounded in decades-old traditions. Her exceptional talent earned her a National Scholarship for Dance from the Government of India and the Governor's Award for Outstanding Contribution in the Field of Dance in Chandigarh—recognition of her mastery and commitment to classical forms. In 2016, she founded Oorja Danceworks with a clear vision: to bring accessible, diverse dance education to everyone, regardless of background or experience.

Academic Expansion

Seeking deeper exploration, Devanshi pursued her BA in Dance at the University of Iowa, where her training expanded to include ballet, jazz, and contemporary technique, alongside performance theory and creative research. That time sharpened her understanding of movement as cultural dialogue—bridging her South Asian roots with global performance vocabularies. She furthered her expertise with a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from York University and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship for the Performing Arts, equipping her to lead Oorja as both an artistic and organizational force.

Leadership Beyond the Studio

Devanshi's impact extends beyond choreography. She served as Manager at Kingston School of Dance for over three years, and has held roles with CanDance Network as Program and Communications Coordinator and with Ontario Presents as Project Coordinator for the Slow Touring Project. In 2023, she was selected as an artist-in-residence at Kingston Grand Theatre's Local Arts Residency, and sat on the Arts Advisory Committee for the City of Kingston, contributing her expertise to local arts policy and development.

Toronto: A Creative Hub

Now based in Toronto, Devanshi thrives in the city's vibrant arts scene, wearing multiple hats: choreographer, educator, collaborator, and community connector. She has directed large-scale student showcases, led residencies, and created interdisciplinary works that reflect her in-depth knowledge of both classical forms and experimental practices. Her work is rich with cross-pollination—Kathak pulses intertwine with contemporary floorwork, Bollywood motifs collide with conceptual stagecraft, and her commitment to accessibility ensures programs reach dancers from all walks of life.

Under her leadership, Oorja has trained over 3,500 students and performed for high-profile clients including the Pro Kabaddi League, Samsung, and the Indian Army, bringing South Asian artistry to major stages while maintaining the studio's founding spirit of inclusivity and excellence.