Reshma Gajjar’s Ritual for Clarity & Creativity
“I don’t plan on retiring, I hope I’m still working as a dancer when I’m 90.”
Reshma Gajjar is a performing artist whose vast entertainment experience includes dancing, choreographing, acting, and modeling.
What was the Lightbulb Moment that inspired you to fully dive into what you do?
Dance and acting was always a hobby growing up. I never considered it a career option because I never saw anyone who looked like me doing that, nor did I have anyone nurture this possibility in me. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, I just knew I wanted to be free of the very restrictive — albeit loving — environment at home. Education was the top priority for my parents, so I went to UCSC to get a degree. I took a random dance class on campus because I missed it and the professor clocked my potential. She introduced me to the world of dance conventions where I started auditioning for scholarships. It was when I was awarded a scholarship to the Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles that I knew I wanted to be a professional performing artist. The clarity felt amazing, like the clouds parting and the sun was shining on my face.
What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve learned in your current career?
That I would find peace, comfort, and stability in the uncertainty of freelance artist life. In the last three years I’ve shifted my focus, concentrating on my acting career, which has been wonderful. Unexpectedly, being an actor has made me love and appreciate dance and dancers even more than I already had. I don’t plan on retiring, I hope I’m still working as a dancer when I’m 90.
What often sparks your creativity or gets you into the creative zone?
Tidying and removing any excess “stuff” helps clear my mind of distraction. Clearing and preparing my space has become a ritual for me and allows my brain to be open for flow and creativity.
Collaboration, creating, and working with others gets me in the creation zone. Limitations and “known factors” are my mothers of invention. I always say that if someone gave me a blank canvas, I would be paralyzed by all the possibilities, but give me a blank canvas and even the seed of an idea, it sparks the resourceful nature in me and I’m on fire. Texture, clothes, and fashion always inspire me. Nature, scents, and music also nurture my creativity.
What is your unfiltered advice for anyone looking to break into your industry?
Live under or within your means and save your money because you have no idea when you will work. Stay hungry: I lived on couches, out of my car, and had a roommate most of my life so that I could afford not being a slave to a day job which is time and energy away from the thing I actually wanted to do. There is not one way or path that will lead to “breaking into” the industry; choose or create one that feels most aligned with your values, and one where you may actually enjoy the process.
There will always be someone more talented, beautiful, or connected than you, but ultimately it’s a last (wo)man standing game — be in it for the long haul. Don’t take rejection personally, and there will be A LOT of rejection. 99% of the time, it’s not personal. The entertainment industry and artist life is challenging in so many ways, if you love what you do, it’ll make it worth the while. Find, cultivate, or hold onto individuals and communities that inspire you and root for each others’ success.
Trust in your divine timing. Cultivate a strong sense of self. Create your own definition of success.
Follow along with Reshma on Instagram here.
*Lead image by Stephanie Pia
July 27, 2021
By Ashley Tibbits