Performer/Choreographer/ Producer/Art Educator
Enakshi, a prominent Odissi dancer in North America currently residing in Toronto, has nurtured a lifelong passion for Indian Classical dance. She embarked on her journey with Bharatnatyam and then embraced Odissi dance, mastering this intricate art under the guidance of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra and Guru Sharmila Biswas. Enakshi’s expertise extends to Mayurbhanj Chau, a martial art form from Orissa, and she’s currently engaged in master classes on Natyashastra instructed by Dr. Piyal Bhattacharya.
With an active performance career spanning 19 years, Enakshi has graced major festivals in India, Europe, and North America both as a soloist and with her dance productions. Some notable highlights include performances against the backdrop of the Taj Mahal at TajMahotsav 2018, appearances at the Embassy of India in Paris and Portugal in 2019, participation in the Khajuraho Festival in 2020, and a performance at Casa de la India in Spain for the Embassy of India in 2023. Enakshi had the privilege of performing during Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s visit to Toronto.
Since 2017, Enakshi has held the role of cultural ambassador for India Tourism in Canada, representing the richness of Indian culture. She engaged in a collaborative project with an Indigenous Artist of Canada in the Nunavut region and introduced her dance form for the first time alongside a throat singer in Baker Lake, Nunavut, in 2017.
Enakshi has collaborated with artists across diverse genres, broadening her perspective on her own dance form. Particularly notable is her partnership with an Indigenous throat singer in Baker Lake, Nunavut. Another remarkable collaboration was with Theatre Prospero for the dance theatre production ‘Anthem of Life,’ drawing inspiration from a Zulu mythological story and featuring a team of South African artists. One standout production among her various works is ‘Colours of Winter,’ presented at the 2019 Stratford Festival. This unique piece seamlessly blended Odissi dance, Western symphony, and Hindustani classical music, exploring the hidden beauty of hues within Canada’s cold winter landscape.
Achievements and Awards
- 2024 – Recipient of Digital Strategy planning Part II for Mrudanga from Canada Council for the Arts.
- 2023 – Jury for Ontario Arts Council for Chalmers Professional Development
- 2022 – Professional Development grant to learn Natyashastra from Ontario Arts Council.
- 2022 – Recipient of Digital Strategy planning for Mrudanga from Canada Council for the Arts.
- 2021 – Recipient of Women Hero Award from Indo Canada Arts and Culture Initiative.
- 2019 – Recipient of Ajanta Sanman and Nritya Dakshya Award, Kala Sangam, India.
- 2019 – Market Development grant to enhance the network in Europe.
- 2018 – Chalmers Professional Development Grant for Mayurbhanj Chaau project.
- 2017 – Recipient of Women Achiever Award from Dancing Damsels organization.
- 2017/ 2011 – Jury for Ontario Arts Council for Dance Initiative program.
- 2014 – Jury for Ontario Arts Council for Chalmers Professional program.
- 2014 -International Nritya Shiromoni Award from Orissa, India.
- 2017/2015/2013/2012 – Dance Initiative Grant, Ontario Arts Council for Annual Festivals of Mrudanga.
- 2011/2010 – Project Leader for South Asian Centre of Windsor funded by Ontario Trillium Foundation.
- 2010 – Access and Career Development grant from Ontario Arts Council.
- 2017/2013/2011/2010/2009/2008 – Travel Grants from Canada Council for the Arts.
- 1999 – Shingar Mani title from Sur Shringar Academy in Mumbai, India.
Empannelled Artist
- Indian Council for Cultural Relation
- Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre
- Sangeet Natak Academy
Enakshi is the Founder Chairperson and Artistic Director of her dance institution, ‘Mrudanga Centre for Performing Arts’, involved in the training of dancers in Toronto, and Windsor. Annually Mrudanga organizes Dance festival “UMANG” – Light of Hope in Windsor inviting internally acclaimed artists from North America and overseas to enrich the cultural site in Windsor, On.
Production and Tours (Choreographer/Performer)
Anthem of Life - Dance theatre ~ Edmonton, 2019 - 2024
A Trilogy on Zulu Mythological stories with South African dance and music blending with Odissi movements
Tagore - A Poet of the World ~ Casa de la India, Spain, 2023
Vahak (the bearer) ~ Ottawa, 2023
Captivating thematic Indian classical dance ballet that beautifully blends the art forms of Odissi, Bharatnatyam, and Kathak.
The ballet draws inspiration from the UNESCO world heritage site, KHAJURAHO temple, renowned for its exquisite sculptures.
Odissi dancers vividly portray the mesmerizing stories of the sculptures depicted in the temple’s ancient carvings.
Seasons and Sensations ~ Montreal, 2022
A spectacular multimedia presentation of delightful Indian classical music and varied dance forms organized by Kabir Centre of Arts, Montreal.
Heritage of the Culture ~ Dance Film, 2021
With the support of the Consulate General of India, Toronto and Kabir Centre of Arts, Montreal produced a dance film on Indian Heritage and culture.
Colours of Winter ~ Stratford and Toronto Sanskriti Sangstha, 2019
Amalgamation of Odissi dance, Western symphony with Hindustani classical music. Showcasing hues from white cold Canadian winters.
Collabs - Baker Lake,Nunavut, 2019
Collaborative research-based project with Nunavut throat singer.
Warrier Princess ~ Toronto, 2018
Adapted from Rabindranath Tagore’s original novel, “Chitrangada.”
BangaBasundhara ~ Toronto, 2017
Opening ceremony on the evolution of Bengali songs with 40 participants from GTA organised by Toronto Sanskriti Sangstha.
As Garden Awaits Rain ~ Waterloo, 2016
Solo production collaborating with Waterloo Symphony Orchestra along with Tagore songs.
Bajao Re ~ Toronto, 2016
Musical journey of Eternal Love Saga of Radha and Krishna from the Indian mythological story.
Trishna - The Thrist (with Guru Lata Pada) ~ Toronto, 2015
Woman: A Search as part of the Next Steps Series .It brings a passionate journey of pain and empowerment of two women, presented at Harbourfront Centre.
Devi ~ Toronto & Edmonton, 2014
A unique creative collaboration between Manipuri and Odissi dances with Hindustani music, chants from Vedas and Puranas with a renowned Manipuri dancer and singer from India.
YathaGamanam ~ Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, 2010
Duo of Odissi repertoire items presented in a choreographic style with Guru Ratikant Mohapatra.
Strtitva Sampriti ~ Windsor, Canada, 2010
Legacy of Womanhood
Samyukta ~ Windsor, Calgary, Ottawa & Saskatoon, 2010
Unique blending of Odissi, Kathak and Bharatnatyam dances with the two invited artistes from India.
Cross Road ~ Montreal, 2009
Multimedia based dance production with Montreal based Kathak dancer showcasing unique blending of Kathak and Odissi dances.
Performances In North America
- Mosaic Festival, 2022
- Vibrant Branmpton Festival 2022
- Tapasvee Festival Vancouver, BC 2019
- Baker Lake, Nunavut Nunavut 2017
- Vibrant Brampton Festival Brampton 2017
- Nrityanjali Dance Festival Winnipeg. 2016
- Festival of India Ottawa, ON. 2016
- In honor of Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi visit to Canada, Toronto, 2015
- Upasana Dance Series Ottawa, ON 2015
- Nateshwar Festival Calgary, AB 2015
- Mosaic – South Asian Festival Mississauga, ON 2015
- Mahautsav Mississauga, ON 2015
- Indo-Canadian Cultural Club Mississauga, ON 2014
- Kalngan Series, Sampradaya Mississauga, ON 2014
- Sadhana Performing Arts Edmonton, AB 2014
- ISKCON Festival of India Toronto, ON 2014
- Inspirations 2013 Toronto, ON 2013
- Horizon Series Sampradaya Mississauga, ON 2013
- Toronto Ragamala Toronto, ON 2012
- St. Louis Festival St. Louis, U.S. 2012
- ISKCON Festival of India Toronto, ON 2012
- Gharana Festival Ottawa, ON 2012
- Samsmaranam Festival San Francisco, U.S. 2012
- Year of India in Canada London, ON 2011
- ISKCON Festival of India Toronto, ON 2010
- Edmonton Ragamala Edmonton, AB 2010
- ISKCON Festival of India Toronto, ON 2010
- Calgary Ragamala Calgary, AB 2009
- ISKCON Festival of India Toronto, ON 2009
- Detroit Bengali Association Detroit, U.S 2009
- Alberta Sanmelan Calgary, AB 2009
- North American Bengali Conference Toronto, ON 2008
- Lumbini Arts Society Ottawa, ON 2008
- ISKCON Festival of India Toronto, ON 2008
- North American Bengali Conference Toronto, ON 2008
- 4th Festival of Performing Arts by TSS Toronto, ON 2007
- Children’s Aid Society Windsor ON 2007
Notable International Tours
- Embassy of India, Spain at Casa de la India, 2023
- Nehru Centre London, UK 2019
- Embassy of India Paris, France 2019
- Embassy of Lisbon, Portugal 2019
- Mukut festival in 7 different places England, U.K. 2008
- International Trade Fair Bangkok, Thailand 2005
- Soka Gakkai International Tokyo, Japan 2005
- Dance Festival by High Commission of India Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2000
Major Solo Performances In India
- Workshop and performances in 10 different rural schools and colleges organised by Spicmacay in Kota, Rajasthan, 2022
- Khajuraho Festival, Madhya Pradesh, 2020
- Taj Mahaotsav Agra, India 2018
- Pragjyoti International Dance Festival Guwahati, 2017
- Times of India Kalaghoda Arts Festival Mumbai, 2017
- Pratishruti Festival Kolkata, 2016
- Ranga Varsha Festival Mumbai, 2016
- International Dance Festival Cuttack, 2014
- Uday Shankar Dance Festival, Kolkata, 2008
- Kalamandalam Sangeetotsav, Kolkata, 2007
- All Bengal Music Conference, Kolkata, 2006
- Soorya Festival, Chennai, 2006
- Nishagandhi Festival, Chennai, 2005
- Golden Jubilee of Sahitya Natak Academy, New Delhi, 2005
- Summer Festival ICCR, New Delhi, 2004
- Spicmacay, Kolkata, 2004
- National Youth Dance Festival by Nehru Centre, Mumbai, 2003
- India International Centre, New Delhi, 2002
- Raindrops Festival, Mumbai, 2002
- Swarnautsav organized by Sangeet Natak Academy, Lucknow, 2001
- Gangamahautsav, Varanasi, 2000
- Choreographer of the Millennium Festival, New Delhi, 2000
- 50th Anniversary of the Independence of India, South India, 1997
- Konark Festival, Orissa, 1995
- Dover Lane Music Conference, Kolkata, 1994
Articles
- “A Dancer Who Shows Rare Promise.” by Hindustan Times, View it here
- “Quest for the lord.” by The Telegragh, View it here
- “City Dance Academy Celebrates in Style.” by Hindustan Times, View it here
- “Empowering Women Through Dance-Theater.” by Toronto Star, View it here
- “Women’s Continuing Search For Identity” by Desi News, View it here
- “Creative Choreography Brings Mythology Alive” by Hindustan Times, View it here
- “The Dance Current”, View it here
Expert opinions
Guru and exponent of Odissi dance and the most renowned choreographer of India
Enakshi Sinha joined my Institution in 1996. She was in high school, and she was one of my first students. We did a lot of growing up together, she, slowly developing a lifelong passion for Odishi Dance, while I, trying out all my fresh ideas of choreography, and curriculum based on research on traditional Art forms of Odisha. In the ten years she spend with me, she absorbed like a sponge. She was always a very good dancer. But her creative mind was revealed to me once she began her journey in dance, in Canada, alone. She never fails to surprise me with her insight, her hard work and her total submission to Dance and its many aspects.
Artistic Director, Theatre Prospero
Enakshi Sinha is one of the bright lights of Indian classical dance in North America. Her inspiring work has been a favourite of audiences, critics and artists alike whenever she has graced the stage at the Thousand Faces Festival. Ms. Sinha’s talent, depth of learning, collaborative spirit and mythic curiosity has given rise to many groundbreaking collaborations with artists from other Indian, Western and African traditions. One of her greatest strengths is a searching spirit that somehow finds and expresses universally resonant human experiences, palpably elevating them to a level I can only call divine. Her boundless enthusiasm and drive to create, her curiosity about and respect for diverse mythic traditions, coupled with her grace, finesse and power of expression make her an ideal collaborator, one we are honoured to have in our creative and curatorial ecosystem.
Artistic Director, Sampradaya Dance Creation
Enakshi Sinha exemplifies many outstanding attributes of a gifted dance artist. Combining an engaging performance style with qualities of an inspiring teacher, her choreography reflects fresh exploration of many unique themes.
Tagore National Scholar, Natyashastra exponent
My acquaintance with Enakshi goes a long way, and ever since I’ve recognised her an excellent and assiduous Odissi dancer. In the later days I only got to see her immense patience and dedication when she came to study and learn the 'nritta' of Natyashastra under me. I was delighted to see how wonderfully she moulded herself for it and pulled off a commendable job. I wish her all the success and accolades for her future ventures and learnings!
Professor, Toronto Metropolitan University
Enakshi is an incredible dance artist who is also exceptionally good at building community. She has been a pivotal force in popularizing the Odissi dance form in Canada and North America, which has received much less recognition that Bharatnatyam and Kathak forms. Her dedication and care for the craft is evident in all her work, and makes her a sought after collaborator across the world.
Expert opinions
Guru and exponent of Odissi dance and the most renowned choreographer of India
Enakshi Sinha joined my Institution in 1996. She was in high school, and she was one of my first students. We did a lot of growing up together, she, slowly developing a lifelong passion for Odishi Dance, while I, trying out all my fresh ideas of choreography, and curriculum based on research on traditional Art forms of Odisha. In the ten years she spend with me, she absorbed like a sponge. She was always a very good dancer. But her creative mind was revealed to me once she began her journey in dance, in Canada, alone. She never fails to surprise me with her insight, her hard work and her total submission to Dance and its many aspects.
Artistic Director, Theatre Prospero
Enakshi Sinha is one of the bright lights of Indian classical dance in North America. Her inspiring work has been a favourite of audiences, critics and artists alike whenever she has graced the stage at the Thousand Faces Festival. Ms. Sinha’s talent, depth of learning, collaborative spirit and mythic curiosity has given rise to many groundbreaking collaborations with artists from other Indian, Western and African traditions. One of her greatest strengths is a searching spirit that somehow finds and expresses universally resonant human experiences, palpably elevating them to a level I can only call divine. Her boundless enthusiasm and drive to create, her curiosity about and respect for diverse mythic traditions, coupled with her grace, finesse and power of expression make her an ideal collaborator, one we are honoured to have in our creative and curatorial ecosystem.
Artistic Director, Sampradaya Dance Creation
Enakshi Sinha exemplifies many outstanding attributes of a gifted dance artist. Combining an engaging performance style with qualities of an inspiring teacher, her choreography reflects fresh exploration of many unique themes.
Tagore National Scholar, Natyashastra exponent
My acquaintance with Enakshi goes a long way, and ever since I’ve recognised her an excellent and assiduous Odissi dancer. In the later days I only got to see her immense patience and dedication when she came to study and learn the 'nritta' of Natyashastra under me. I was delighted to see how wonderfully she moulded herself for it and pulled off a commendable job. I wish her all the success and accolades for her future ventures and learnings!
Professor, Toronto Metropolitan University
Enakshi is an incredible dance artist who is also exceptionally good at building community. She has been a pivotal force in popularizing the Odissi dance form in Canada and North America, which has received much less recognition that Bharatnatyam and Kathak forms. Her dedication and care for the craft is evident in all her work, and makes her a sought after collaborator across the world.
