Monisa Nayak

🪔 About

Monisa Nayak is an accomplished Kathak performer of the Jaipur Gharana, known for her excellent command of rhythm and profound expressions. She is a disciple of Guru Shri Rajendra Gangani and holds a Post Graduate degree from the national institute, Kathak Kendra, New Delhi. Nayak is recognized as an A-Grade Kathak Artiste by Delhi Doordarshan and is an empanelled artist of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. Her extensive performance career includes major festivals both in India and internationally, such as the Khajuraho Festival, Ananya Festival, Malhaar Festival of ICCR, Taj Mahotsav, Allegro Vivo Music Festival in Austria, Milapfest in the UK, and performances for "60 Years of India's Independence" in New York. She has also performed at the Tropentheatre in Holland and the Geneva Festival in Switzerland, and has toured in the Middle East, UK, Italy, South East Asia, Canada, Germany, and Venezuela for the ICCR. As a choreographer, her notable works include "Spectrum," which relates colors to sentiments; "Nartan," which narrates the evolution of Kathak; and "Raga-chitra," depicting various moods of ragas. Monisa Nayak is dedicated to promoting Indian classical dance. She teaches at Gandharva Mahavidyalaya in New Delhi and is the founder of the Khanak Institute of Performing Arts, which has branches in New Delhi and Kerala. Through her institution, she has introduced modernized and innovative teaching methods. She also conducts Kathak dance workshops and lecture-demonstrations across India, including for SPIC-MACAY and in rural areas, to raise awareness about classical heritage. Awards & Honours: Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (2009), Sanatana Nritya Puraskar, Sanskriti Kalakriti Fellowship (2006), Sangeet Kala Ratna.