An engineer-turned-dance professional, Kshitij Chopra followed his passion to establish the Dehradun Academy of Dance after a successful stint in corporate roles. Recognized as one of the top 100 dancers on Dance India Dance in 2010, he expanded his skill set across various dance styles, building a reputable career.

A passionate Dancer and Choreographer, Kshitij Chopra is the founder of the Dehradun Academy of Dance. With 20 years of experience in the dance industry, he has established himself as a leading figure in the field.

Chopra’s journey in the dance world is marked by notable achievements. Driven by his passion, Kshitij Chopra began participating in dance competitions at local and state levels, winning accolades and recognition. A significant milestone in his career came in 2010, when he was selected as one of the top 100 dancers in the popular show Dance India Dance. To hone his craft and stay ahead in the competitive world of dance, he also learned a variety of dance styles.

Although Kshitij Chopra is now devoted to dance, his academic background is quite diverse. He holds a degree in Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering and has completed an MBA in Marketing and Human Resource Management. Initially, he worked in multinational companies, but his love for dance eventually led him to pursue it as his full-time career. His entrepreneurial spirit came to life when he founded his own dance academy, where he now serves as both teacher and mentor.

Chopra’s early years were spent in Kontasai village, after which he moved with his family to Dehradun. He has fond memories of dancing from an extremely young age, starting when he was just one year and six months old. His elder brother was a significant influence on his passion for dance, inspiring him to deepen his interest and pursue it seriously.

Reflecting on his journey, Chopra acknowledges the value of mistakes in the learning process. Although he once saw his decision to pursue a B.Tech and MBA as a mistake, he later realized that the knowledge gained from these fields was instrumental in managing the business side of his dance academy, particularly in areas like digital marketing and communication.

When asked about his role models, Kshitij Chopra mentions the profound influence of his father, who taught him the importance of maintaining a balance between professional and personal life. He is also deeply grateful to his elder brother, whose support and encouragement steered him towards making dance his career.

Kshitij lives by the mantra, "The only person you battle in your life is you." For him, success is not about comparing yourself to others but about surpassing your own past achievements.

In addition to his professional endeavours, Chopra is also actively involved in NGOs, helping underprivileged individuals meet their basic needs, which he finds deeply fulfilling and helps him attain mental peace.

For young aspiring dancers, Kshitij emphasises the importance of learning from a coach or mentor, highlighting that their personal guidance often proves more beneficial than online classes. He also stresses the significance of having good communication skills for building a strong network and advises maintaining patience and consistency to reach one's goals.