About Vaishnavi Misra
Vaishnavi Misra, has been a student of the Indian Classical Dance Kathak, under the guidance of the late Guru Sri Surendra Saikia of the Lucknow Gharana, since the age of 3 years. She completed her Nritya Visharad (Masters of Dance) at the age of 12 from Bhatkhande Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, additionally, she trained for Hindustani Classical Music under Pandit Sri Rameshwar Prasad Mishra of the Banaras Gharana, and also completed her Sangeet Visharad (Masters of Music) in that field. Her love for singing drove her to learn western choir and solo singing. She started a band in high school that won many awards and competitions.
She grew up in a family deeply involved with the performing arts, with her grandfather being her inspiration. A student of Pandit Acchan Maharaj, her grandfather, the late Sri Pandit Vishwanath Misra, was a dance director in the early Bombay film industry during the 40s and early 50s, later moving to Lucknow Television (Doordarshan Lucknow and Theater) in the 60s and 70s. He directed and acted in numerous plays and serials during that time. His memorable role being that of Mirza Achche in Bibi Natiyon Wali, India's first mega serial, produced by Doordarshan Lucknow from the early 80s to the early 90s.
Growing up Vaishnavi had an artistic upbringing, whether it was attending her mother's plays every weekend or watching her grandfather's shoots. Running around as a child between rounds of script sittings, stage rehearsal, dance recitals or helping backstage with production along with her own performances. Having these influencers gave her immeasurable experiences at an early age.
After completing her college from NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology) Vaishnavi moved to the United States. She broadened her skills by studying Western dances and styles of music, which she incorporates now in her choreographies. She started teaching dance and singing in New Jersey since 2008, moving to California she continued her classes, starting Vaishnavi Misra Dance and Music in 2013.
Vaishnavi was felicitated for her work towards promoting Indian performing art forms in the US by Yayavar RangMandal in Lucknow in June 2018. When she is not running her business and teaching her classes, Vaishnavi likes to spend time with her family and in her garden. Her favorite pastimes are reading, gardening and cooking.