Barnali Mahanta, a passionate exponent of Sattriya and Kathak dance, founded her dance academy, which has grown from 3 to 300 students. Her artistic journey, inspired by her family, led her to conduct international workshops and receive the Senior Fellowship award for Sattriya Dance from the Ministry of Culture.

Barnali Mahanta, a distinguished exponent of both Sattriya and Kathak dance from Assam, has beautifully woven her passion for dance into every aspect of her life. She is the Founder and Principal of Barnali Dance Academy, a school she established to nurture the next generation of dancers.

Her expertise in Sattriya dance has also taken her beyond the borders of India. Barnali had the privilege of conducting a workshop on Sattriya dance at Mahasarakham University in Thailand, as well as workshops on Sattriya and Bihu dance in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Her contributions to the art have been recognized at the national level as well, with Barnali receiving the Senior Fellowship award for Sattriya dance from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

Barnali Mahanta’s achievements in the world of dance are a testament to her dedication and talent. When she first started her dance school, it had only 3 students. However, her commitment to her craft and her ability to inspire others saw that number grow to 200 students within just two years. Today, Barnali Dance Academy boasts a vibrant community of 300 students, all learning under her expert guidance.

Despite her many accomplishments, Barnali Mahanta is candid about the challenges she has faced along the way. She admits that in her relentless pursuit of excellence, she sometimes neglected her health, a mistake she now regrets. This experience has taught her the importance of balance in life.

Barnali Mahanta’s journey into the world of dance is as inspiring as it is unique. Although she completed her graduation in Zoology in 1991, her true calling was always in the rhythm and grace of dance. Driven by this passion, she pursued and completed her ‘visharad’ in Kathak under the mentorship of her guru, who also happens to be her sister-in-law. Not stopping there, she also earned her ‘visharad’ in Sattriya dance, a classical dance form from Assam.

Reflecting on her early years, Mahanta fondly recalls how her love for dance was ignited by her family. Her brother, a vocalist, and her grandfather, a singer of devotional songs, played significant roles in shaping her artistic inclinations. Their influence instilled in her a deep appreciation for the performing arts, eventually leading her to the stage.

In her leisure time, Barnali enjoys observing dance moves in movies, finding inspiration and new ideas to incorporate into her own practice. Music also plays a significant role in her life, helping her to calm her mind and rejuvenate her spirit. For Barnali, dance is not just a profession but a lifelong passion that continues to evolve and enrich her life.