Sushree Mishra

Sushree Mishra strikes an Odissi classical dance pose with her Guru
Sushree Mishra and her Guru | Photo: Courtesy of Sushree Mishra

Sushree Mishra

Month of the Artist celebrates the valuable contributions artists make to Alberta

Sushree Mishra is an Odissi dancer and singer, and the owner of the Sushree Dance & Music Academy.

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What city ward do you live in?

I live in Ward 13, SW of Calgary.

How do you describe yourself as an artist?

I personally envision myself as a creative artist. I not only love reliving the moments I was taught the art of dance, but I continue to build upon it and dream of creating beautiful dance sequences with character and depth, and then give it life and expression.

My passion for Odissi classical dance grows as I step deeper into the realms of the dance form. This is my passion.

What does living a creative life mean to you?

I thrive on creativity, and it is my constant endeavor to upkeep the research and development of Odissi dance. I express my creativity by enriching young minds of my students and well-wishers by numerous public performances, teaching them dance and the values that have been instilled in me.

Improving upon the knowledge we have today is my lifelong pursuit as I believe perfectionism is an ongoing success we constantly have to work hard towards.

What do you love about Calgary and what is one place you go to find inspiration in Calgary?

The thing that I love about Calgary is the diversity it possess throughout the city. Its multicultural aspects and the amount of respect that the city gives to different cultures really shows the desire to be more multicultural.

One place I go to find inspiration is definitely my class. I get inspiration from studying the lives and loves of former Gurus, their friends, influence on society, music, or even visiting the places they originated from. My dance studio and my students are a big motivation for me as well. Seeing them wanting to learn is one of the greatest joys I get.

If you could do one thing this year to make Calgary a better place to live, what would it be?

To make Calgary a better place to live in, I would develop the cultural awareness. Host an event to bring all of Calgary’s artists together to showcase their talent in front of the whole city. It’s like a big talent show that will bring emerging artists and established artists together. 

What piece of advice would you give to an emerging artist?

I would say to an emerging artist: “What exactly are you emerging from? You are already an artist—it is all there within you right now, you must commit to it and never be satisfied. Because success is something you can never become complacent with, and constantly work on to stay at the top.”

What are you currently working on?

A project for arts council.


About Alberta’s Month of the Artist

September is the Month of the Artist in Alberta, an annual celebration of artists and the value they bring to the province, both socially and economically.

Dedicated by the Government of Alberta, the Month of the Artist is a way to say thank you for making the province a better place to live.

Dedicated by the Government of Alberta, the Month of the Artist is a way to say thank you for making the province a better place to live.

Have a story to share? Email us at submissions@calgaryartsdevelopment.com.