Sonia Galvao

🪔 About

Sonia Galvão is a pioneering figure in Odissi Indian classical dance in Brazil, known for her classical and modern dance background. She began her journey into Indian classical dance in 1988, studying Bharatanatyam at the Ivaldo Bertazzo Reeducation and Movement school in Brazil, and later in India with the renowned dancer and master Leela Samson. In 1992, Galvão commenced her Odissi studies in New Delhi, India, at the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Institute with dancer and master Madhavi Mudgal. She further honed her skills at the Srjan – Odissi Center in Orissa, under the tutelage of the great Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, whose teachings were fundamental to her career. Sonia Galvão resided in India for three years, dedicating herself to perfecting Odissi techniques, and continues to travel frequently to update her knowledge. In 2008, she co-developed a research project on Indian classical dance with Márcia Cardoso, which was selected by the State Secretariat of Culture and culminated in the publication of the book “Dança Clássica Indiana - Odissi, guia de referência para iniciantes” (Indian Classical Dance - Odissi, a reference guide for beginners). She is a dancer, choreographer, teacher, and researcher, with extensive media coverage of her work and numerous participations in dance projects over the years.