Lucrezia Maniscotti

🪔 About

Lucrezia Maniscotti is a Bharatanatyam dancer, drama artist, teacher, and scholar, born in Milan, Italy. She holds a Master's degree in Letters with a focus on Indology and History of Theatre from the University of Milan. Her journey into Indian classical dance began in Italy, where she initially studied Bharatanatyam with Monica Gallarate. From 2006, she pursued intensive training in Chennai, India, under the tutelage of the esteemed Guru Padmashri Adyar K. Lakshman at the Bharata Choodamani school. During her time in India, she also delved into Carnatic vocal music and nattuvangam with Bhagavatulu Seetharama Sharma, and refined her abhinaya (expressive techniques) under Indira Kadambi. [2, 9, 13, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30, 32, 33] In 2008-2009, Maniscotti received a prestigious scholarship for international excellences from the University of Milan and the Cariplo Foundation, enabling her to undertake a year of advanced Bharatanatyam studies in Chennai. She made her debut performance at the Kapalishwara Temple in Chennai in 2009. [2, 9, 13, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30, 33] She performs extensively across India and Europe, presenting solo performances and collaborating with various cultural and academic organizations, including the University of Milan, the Consulate of India in Milan, and Accademia La Scala. [2, 9, 24, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32] Maniscotti is the founder and artistic director of Accademia Sangam, established in Milan as part of the Sagome Teatro Association. This academy is recognized as the first structured Bharatanatyam school in Italy, dedicated to promoting Indian classical performing arts. [2, 9, 24, 26, 27, 30, 32] She continues to deepen her art, currently studying with renowned mentors such as C.V. Chandrashekar, Mavin Khoo, and Leela Samson. [2, 9, 29] In 2021-2022, she was a visiting artist at the Centre of Hellenic Studies of Harvard University. [9, 30] Lucrezia Maniscotti divides her time between Milan and Chennai. [26] Awards & Honours: Scholarship for International Excellences (University of Milan and Cariplo Foundation) (2008), Milapfest scholarship (2010).