Labonee Mohanta

San Francisco, US

Labonee began training under the late Kathak legend Pandit Chitresh Das at the early age of 8. Labonee is renowned for dynamism in her dance, fiery footwork, subtlety and grace in movement, and mesmerizing spins. She is also known for dancing in complex and rare half-beat rhythmic structures, and performing “Kathak Yoga” where she simultaneously sings the rhythmic cycle, dances mathematical patterns, and plays an instrument at the same time. A prominent solo artist, she performs regularly throughout India, Europe, the US, and Canada. She has been presented at major venues such as at NCPA (Mumbai), Rabindra Sadan (Kolkata), Palace of Fine Arts (San Francisco) and the Ailey Dance Theater (New York City) at New York Kathak Festival. She collaborates regularly with musicians around the world, for example with Oliver Rajamani's “Flamenco India” production at Austin City Limits, "Ganapati" Indo-fusion band in France, and the Toronto Tabla Ensemble, as well as in their numerous award-winning short films and music videos. Previously, Labonee toured extensively with Chitresh Das Dance Company and served as center director and senior teacher at her Guru's institution. Now as founder of Lavanya Academy of Indian Arts, she trains 70 students in the Bay Area including her Lavanya Dance Company. She is currently the recipient of the 2024 Dresher Ensemble Artist Residency award, for which she is innovating a new collaboration "Milana" with Jazz music and South Indian percussion, set to premier in Spring 2025.