Sonal Mansingh
"A dancer is not just a dancer. She is part of this
environment. She does not exist in a vacuum. Society and its happenings have an
impact on all individuals, specially artists. If an art form does not reflect
the existing milieu, it stagnates."
------Sonal Mansingh
Sonal Mansingh is an unparalleled representative of the ancient
but ever new art dance traditions of India. She has been on stage since 1964.
Her role as a social activist, thinker, researcher, orator, choreographer and
teacher combines admirably with her dancing further enriching the tradition.
She founded the Centre for Indian Classical Dances (CICD) in
1977 in Delhi and has trained many young men and women, some of who have earned
critical acclaim already. She is the youngest recipient of the high honour of
'Padma Bhushan' among artists in India.
A leading exponent of Odissi with a background of decades of
training in Bharata Natyam, Chhau and Indian music she has made original
choreographic works based on Indian mythology as well as contemporary issues.
Lately her work has veered more and more towards issues concerning women and
environment.
According to Sonal, dance can be the medium through which she can
present the viewpoint of those who often do not get a platform to speak."
Through seminars, round table discussions, writings,
teaching workshops and lectures, she shares her perception and concerns. When
Delhi hosted a two day seminar on "WOMEN, ENVIRONMENT and CULTURE" Sonal was the
keynote speaker.
For Sonal, the universal message of artistic traditions is
an extra factor binding diverse cultures and societies. She believes that
countries can come close together in a global atmosphere of friendship and
mutual respect through intra-cultural understanding.
