Mansee Singhi History

Mansee began her dance journey at the age of seven in India, discovering an innate connection to rhythm, movement, and storytelling through Kathak — one of India’s eight classical dance forms. Trained under esteemed gurus (Teachers) and inspired by the Lucknow and Jaipur gharanas (Lineages) , her dance embodies both technical precision and deep emotional resonance. Over time, she has expanded her practice to encompass Indian folk and contemporary styles, presenting a holistic vision of Indian movement arts.

After relocating to the United States, Mansee has emerged as a dynamic performer, choreographer, and educator committed to bridging cultures through the language of dance. Her performances have spanned continents — from classical recitals in India to interdisciplinary festivals across the Midwest and beyond.

Her work celebrates Kathak’s lineage while pushing its creative boundaries, exploring themes of identity, environment, and social consciousness through innovative choreography.

As an educator, Mansee has designed and delivered lectures, workshops and residencies across universities, schools, and community organizations in Ohio. Her teaching emphasizes tala (rhythm), abhinaya (expression) and embodiment — guiding students to experience dance as a spiritual and intellectual dialogue.

Her research delves into Sanchari Bhavas — the transitory emotions in Indian dramaturgy — exploring how they manifest through Kathak’s unique synthesis of narrative and abstraction.

Mansee’s creative practice extends into collaborations merging Kathak with live music, spoken word and digital media engaging diverse audiences while honoring authenticity. Through these initiatives, she strives to foster cultural awareness, inclusivity and appreciation for heritage arts within the arts ecosystem.

Rooted in tradition yet forward-looking in vision, Mansee continues to create, teach and inspire — shaping Kathak’s evolving identity in the global performing arts landscape.

Milestones

1991

The Beginning of Rhythm and Grace Initiated into the timeless art of Kathak under the guidance of Guru Asha Joglekar in Mumbai — a moment that marked the dawn of a lifelong devotion to rhythm, storytelling and expression through movement.

1998

Rooted in Folk Spirit Ventured beyond classical Kathak to explore the Folk Dances of India with the Chaaya Academy of Arts, Mumbai. Performed across the United States and Southeast Asia, sharing India’s vibrant mosaic of regional traditions with global audiences.

2001

The Stage Beckons Presented the first full-length Kathak repertoire in Mumbai to a full-house audience — a vivid celebration of Rhythm and Rasa, weaving technical mastery with expressive storytelling.

2009

A New Horizon Transitioned into a full-time performer and educator, establishing a flourishing Kathak community in Columbus. Through teaching and performance, nurtured a deeper appreciation for Indian classical movement, music, and cultural heritage.

2012

Cultural Exchange Embarked on a Kathak tour across four Indian cities, fostering artistic dialogue and discovering new layers of expression through regional collaboration and performance.

2014

Collaborative Pathways Curated multidisciplinary works in partnership with local artists and organizations — intertwining Kathak’s classical essence with contemporary stagecraft, where stories and audiences converge.

2015

Expanding Horizons Featured at the OhioDance Festival and other regional stages, introducing Kathak’s nuanced vocabulary into broader artistic conversations — bridging tradition with modern sensibility.

2017

Dance with Purpose Presented The Benefit, a heartfelt music-and-dance fundraiser supporting hemophilia awareness, followed by a featured showcase at the B.R.E.A.D! Festival in Dublin — celebrating heritage through collective artistry.

2019

Guiding the Next Generation Served as Artist-in-Residence and Choreographer at Ohio Northern University’s International Theatre Festival. Mentored students through a Kathak-inspired dance drama that explored storytelling in motion through music and movement.

2020

Guiding the Next Generation Served as Artist-in-Residence and Choreographer at Ohio Northern University’s International Theatre Festival. Mentored students through a Kathak-inspired dance drama that explored storytelling in motion through music and movement.

2021

Research, Reflection, and Renewal Deepened the study of the 33 Sanchari Bhavas — the transitory emotions of Indian dramaturgy — enriching the expressive vocabulary of Kathak. Joined the OhioDance Board and launched the podcast Kathak Journey to expand artistic dialogue on the form.

2022

Curation and Connection Recipient of the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship (Ohio Arts Council) and Big Ideas Project (GCAC), culminating in Echoes of Ramayana — a performance celebrating myth, music, and motion for Columbus audiences.

2023

Water Creativities Choreographed for the Global Water Dances Initiative, merging Kathak with the element of water to create a screen dance film (Dance for Diversity, WI) and a live presentation at the World Culture

2024

Reflection through Education Selected for the Lincoln Incubation Program, developing new choreographic works that integrate artistic creation with arts entrepreneurship — advancing a vision of sustainable creative practice.

2025

Founded Mosaic Journeys, an artistic collective exploring cross-cultural storytelling through dance. Completed a six-week residency reimagining Shakespeare’s Juliet through Kathak, Kathak at Urban Arts Space and the Lincoln Theatre — evolving Kathak into a dialogue of diverse creative voices.