Jeevika Bhat, M.F.A., Dancer and Choreographer
Jeevika Bhat (she/her) is a dancer and choreographer from the Bay Area and will graduate with an MFA in Dance on June 17 in the Bren Events Center.
Her background is in Odissi, an East Indian classical dance form known for its nuanced storytelling and graceful fluidity, and she is interested in defining the confluence of her cultures through her art. She studies Odissi under the guidance of Guru Jyoti Rout and is currently a teacher with her dance company, Jyoti Kala Mandir. Academically, she graduated from UC San Diego, where she earned a BS in Mathematics and minors in Linguistics and Dance, and has been exploring Contemporary Indian dance in many contexts in the years since.
What is your favorite memory at UCI?
Teaching and dancing at ACDA, an intercollegiate dance conference that was hosted by UCI this year. It was such a joy to share Contemporary Indian dance with all the eager dancers from across California, as well learn several new styles, watch incredible performances, and meet so many lovely people in such a fun packed weekend.
What are your plans after graduation?
I’m not certain yet, but I am excited to see where the world takes me!
The deep sense of community that’s fostered through dance is so euphoric, and it’s been a joy and honor to partake in that with everyone here. – Jeevika Bhat
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully exploring a new city, creating and practicing dance in some capacity! Perhaps on Broadway?
Who was your biggest influence at UCI?
Everyone I’ve ever danced with – through New Slate, Dance Escape, Zamana, my thesis, classes, and beyond. The deep sense of community that’s fostered through dance is so euphoric, and it’s been a joy and honor to partake in that with everyone here. I’ve learned so much with each individual and group I’ve shared space with, and each time, I take little fragments of them with me.
What do you know now that you wish you had known before coming to UCI?
How much a single email can do. I’ve found so many opportunities and made connections by just sending an email to people who I admired and whose work I was interested in, and I wish I had known to start this even sooner. Worst case, status quo!
What are your hobbies or interests?
Outside of dance, I enjoy practicing yoga, cooking, swimming in natural water, and learning about word roots and etymology.
