Latasana Devi

🪔 About

Latasana Devi is a distinguished Manipuri dancer, choreographer, and dance teacher, born on April 1, 1967, in Imphal, Manipur, India. She commenced her journey in Manipuri dance at the tender age of eight, receiving her foundational training at the Manipuri Dance Academy in Imphal under the tutelage of Guneshwari Devi. Her intensive training began in 1980, where she honed her skills under eminent gurus such as Padma Shri-winner Darshana Jhaveri, Guru Bipin Singh, and Kalavati Devi of Kolkata. Devi's comprehensive training extended to various specialized aspects of Manipuri dance, including Kartal Cholom (dance with cymbals) from Oja Chobhal Singh, Nada Seishak (vocal training) from Oja Lakpati Singh, and Pung Cholom (drum dance) from Oja Birmangal Singh. Beyond her artistic pursuits, she also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from SNDT University, Mumbai. Throughout her illustrious career, Latasana Devi has graced numerous prestigious dance festivals both nationally and internationally, including the Khajuraho Dance Festival, Banaras Ganga Festival, Nishagandhi Dance Festival, and Soorya Festival in India, as well as performing in countries like the USA, Mexico, Indonesia, and Italy. She has also performed at significant international events such as the BRICS and BRIMTEC summits. Her contributions to Manipuri dance were recognized with a Junior Fellowship from the Department of Culture, Government of India, in 1994, for her research in the classical form. A top-grade artist and an empanelled artist of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Devi has also showcased her choreographic prowess through productions like Nachom, Ishano, and Madhur Raas, in collaboration with the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai. To further her commitment to preserving and promoting Manipur's traditional art forms, Latasana Devi established the Kaina Foundation. Her significant contributions to Manipuri dance have been acknowledged with several accolades, including the Sringarmani award in 1985, the Guru Abhibadhan title from the Tamil Sangam, Mumbai, in 2016, and the Tarang Ratna title from the Takshashila Nrityakala Mandir, Thane, in 2018. Most notably, she was honored with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2023 for her profound impact on Manipuri dance. Awards & Honours: Sringarmani award (1985), Guru Abhibadhan title (2016), Tarang Ratna title (2018), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2023).