Monica Singh

🪔 About

Monica Singh Sangwan is a distinguished Odissi dancer, teacher, and the founder of the Sohamasmi Centre for Performing Arts. Her journey in classical dance began at the tender age of six, initially training in Bharatanatyam for twelve years under the tutelage of the renowned Guru Sonal Mansingh, with whom she also performed across India. Her artistic path shifted in 1988 when she was captivated by the Odissi ballet 'Sohamasmi,' choreographed by Smt. Madhavi Mudgal. This experience led her to dedicate herself to Odissi, undergoing rigorous training for fifteen years under Smt. Madhavi Mudgal. She further enriched her understanding of the art form by attending workshops conducted by the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. Monica Singh Sangwan holds a Visharad (Master of Arts) in Odissi dance from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, New Delhi. Her talent was recognized with prestigious scholarships, including the Sahitya Kala Parishad scholarship for Odissi in 1997-98 and the Ministry of Human Resource Development Scholarship for Odissi in 1999-2000. As a performer, she has traveled extensively worldwide, both as a soloist and as a troupe member. She also expanded her artistic repertoire by collaborating with experimental theatre. In 2003, Monica Singh Sangwan established the Sohamasmi Centre for Performing Arts in Gurgaon, India, which quickly grew to have two branches. In 2010, she immigrated to Australia under a distinguished talent visa and re-established the Sohamasmi Centre for Performing Arts in Melbourne, where it now serves as a premier institution for Odissi dance. She continues to teach and mentor students, fostering a new generation of Odissi dancers in Australia and beyond. Awards & Honours: Sahitya Kala Parishad scholarship for Odissi (1997), Ministry of Human Resource Development Scholarship for Odissi (1999).