Mondira Balkaransingh

🪔 About

Mondira Balkaransingh is an eminent Odissi dancer, guru, and exponent, widely recognized for her significant contributions to Indian classical dance in Trinidad and Tobago. She serves as the Artistic Director of the Nrityanjali Theatre, a prominent cultural institution based in Trincity, Trinidad. Under her leadership, the Nrityanjali Theatre has been offering classes in Odissi classical and Indian folk dances for over 50 years, fostering a rich tradition of dance education and performance in the Caribbean nation. As a choreographer, she has guided numerous performances, including the “Basant Pallavi Shloka” performed by the Nrityanjali Theatre. Balkaransingh's training in Odissi is rooted in the Gharana of Guru Mayadhar Raut, a distinguished lineage in the Odissi tradition. Her artistic work is extensive, with the Nrityanjali Theatre having produced over 50 full-length stage performances, showcasing a diverse range of classical and folk dance forms. The theatre, under her artistic direction, has collaborated with local and international organizations and has been instrumental in presenting numerous fusions and crossover works with other dance companies. Its artistes have also represented Trinidad and Tobago internationally on many occasions. Her dedication to promoting Indian culture through dance has earned her significant recognition. In 2019, she was felicitated as an eminent Odissi Dancer by the High Commission of India in Trinidad & Tobago. She has also been noted for her ability to explain the intricacies of Odissi dance to audiences, demonstrating her role as a knowledgeable guru and exponent. The Nrityanjali Theatre itself has received significant accolades, including the Humming Bird Medal (Gold) in 1993 for its profound contribution to culture, and was subsequently incorporated by an Act of Parliament in 1994 as a non-profit cultural organization. Mondira Balkaransingh continues to lead the Nrityanjali Theatre, with recent productions like “Navras (Expressions of Dance)” scheduled for 2024, further solidifying her legacy in the world of Indian classical dance as a performer, teacher, and institution head. Awards & Honours: Humming Bird Medal (Gold) (1993).