An unparalleled representative of the ancient as well as new dance Traditions in India is Sonal Mansingh. She is a social activist, thinker, researcher, orator as well as choreographer.
She is performing on stage since 1964. Sonal Mansigh founded the Centre for Indian Classical Dances (C.I.C.D.) in 1977 in Delhi and has imparted training to many young men and women, some of whom have achieved critical acclaim. Of allo the Indian artists who have been the recipient of ‘Padma Bhushan’,Sonal Mansingh is the youngest.
She has background of years of training in Bharatnatyam and Chhau (a martial dance form East India ). She is a leading exponent of the ancient and traditional dance sytle of Orissa, Odissi. She has composed choreographic works based on Indian mythology as well as contemporary issues.
Sonal Mansingh believes that artistic traditions carry a universal message that go towards binding diverse cultures and societies.