Guru Sonal Mansingh
Sonal Mansingh is a prominent Indian classical dancer who specializes in Bharatanatyam and Odissi. Since classical dancing is all she has done throughout her life, her proficiency and interest towards other classical dance forms does not come across as a surprise to many. Over the years, this veteran dancer has practiced many dance forms including Manipuri dance and Kuchipudi. Besides being a dancer, Sonal Mansingh is a well-known choreographer, teacher, orator and a social activist. For her contributions towards promoting ‘Classical dances’, she has received accolades from many national and international organizations. She was the youngest recipient of Padma Bhushan in 1992. In 2003, Sonal became the first Indian woman dancer to be awarded with Padma Vibhushan. Thanks to her priceless lectures and workshops, many young aspiring dancers have gone on to realize the importance of classical dance.
In 1977, Sonal Mansingh founded the Centre for Indian Classical Dances in New Delhi to train students in Indian classical dance. What started in a small space meant for garage in her rented apartment has now grown into a phenomenal institution. The organization has been working to promote performing arts and nurturing the cultural legacy of India. For the last several decades, the institute has imparted immense knowledge on various dance forms and other related art forms. She is also the trustee of the largest institution in India, the Indira Gandhi National Center for Arts. Presently she is a member of the Indian Parliament.
Find out more at https://www.culturalindia.net/indian-dance/dancers/sonal-mansingh.html