Thokchom Ibemubi Devi

🪔 About

Thokchom Ibemubi Devi, born in 1963 in Keishampat Thokchom Leikai, Imphal, India, is a highly renowned exponent of Manipuri Classical Dance. Her profound dedication and captivating performances have established her as one of the most popular figures in the art form. Her journey into dance began at an early age, at just eight years old in 1971, when she commenced her training at the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA) in Imphal. She diligently pursued her studies, completing both diploma and post-diploma courses in Manipuri Dance from the Academy. Ibemubi Devi received specialized training from an array of eminent gurus, including Th. Tarunkumar, R.K. Priyogopalsana, Th. Babu, Tondon Devi, Th. Chaotombi Singh, Th. Suryamukhi Devi, Smt. L Thambalngoubi Devi, Guru Rajani Maibi, Guru Kumar Maibi, and Guru Thingbaijam Babu Singh. She also holds a graduate degree from Manipur University. Throughout her illustrious career, Thokchom Ibemubi Devi has graced numerous national and international stages. Her performances have taken her across the globe to countries such as China, North Korea, France, Italy, Bulgaria, South Korea, Thailand, Philippines, USSR, England, Scotland, Germany, Myanmar, USA, and Bangladesh. She has been a prominent performer at esteemed national festivals including the Konark Festival, Khajuraho Festival, Soorya Festival, International Trade Fair 1989, Festival of Dance & Music 2001, Kalinga Mahotsav 2006, Nirtya Sangam Festival of Dance 2008, Nritya Krity Festival of Choreographic Works, Nritya Sanrachna Choreographic Festival, and Octave 2008. A versatile artist, Ibemubi Devi has participated in over thirty-five dance dramas and assisted in many productions. She is also recognized for performing and choreographing numerous Classical Manipuri Solo Dance items, and has presented many lecture-cum-demonstrations on Manipuri Dance on both national and international platforms. Her mastery extends to specific Manipuri dance styles such as Gour Leela and Krishna Leela. She is also one of the founder artistes of the JNMDA's Ballet Unit, which is now its Production Unit, and serves as a Junior Production Assistant within the Academy. Her significant contributions to Manipuri dance have earned her several prestigious accolades. In 2021, she was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for her exceptional work in Manipuri Dance. Prior to this, she received the Manipur State Kala Akademi Award in 2011. She has also been recognized with the India-Nepal Friendship International Award, conferred by the Samata Sahitya Academy. Furthermore, her artistry has been featured in eleven documentary films, including 'Geet Govinda' by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts and the award-winning 'Sangai' produced by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. She has also performed in 36 ballads produced by JNMDA. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2021), Manipur State Kala Akademi Award (2011), India-Nepal Friendship International Award.