About Me

Manoj Bagga, the Dancer of Myriad Hues

Manoj Bagga is an independent Performer, Choreographer, Teacher. Manoj as done his Masters in the classical Indian dance style of Bharatanatyam and trained in various other Indian classical such as Kathakali, Manipuri, folk and contemporary forms. Manoj has perfected his style under the mentorship of a legendary dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai and Mallika Sarabhai. Since the age of 20, He started experimenting with choreography, combining aspects of classical dance with innovative contemporary movement. Manoj’s quick learning skills and excellent rapport with dance forms made him a part of Janavak lead dancer, the folk dance division of Darpana in 1993, kick starting a series of trips to various prestigious dance festivals, events in India and Abroad. He performed solo classical dance debut at age 15. He has been performing professionally and touring internationally with the India-based Darpana Performance Group since 1993. Trained in a variety of folk, contemporary and martial arts forms from India and across the world, and has since developed his own contemporary vocabulary that has been showcased in productions at several prestigious venues and festivals across Asia, Europe, and North America. Manoj has been performing many solo and group dances based on classical, folk and contemporary styles all these years, participated in various projects on art, conducted and attended workshops, demonstrations (Bharata Natyam, Folk, Contemporary and Kalaripayattu) and also participated in various festivals including Dakshina Festival USA, International Dance Festival in Birmingham, Festival of India in Paris, Elephanta Festival, Kala Ghoda Festival, Malabar Festival, Konark Festival and the Brihadishwara Millennium Festival, Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, Udaipur, Montignac International Folk Festival, CIOFF Festival of International Folk held in France, Battery Dance Company USA, Indo-American Trade and Commerce Council USA, Mrinalini Sarabhai “The Aritist and Her Art” A film by Yadavan Chandran and Mallika Sarabhai (2012) etc. on dance and allied subjects.