Collaborators
Usha Sharma
Jhankaar School of Dance
Jhankaar, “the sound of bells”, has been heard in Winnipeg since 1995. Instituted by Usha Sharma, a teacher and choreographer of international reputation, the school offers instruction in tabla and in the Jaipuri gharana of Kathak, with elements of Benares and Lucknow styles. Jhankaar follows a traditional ‘guru-sishya’ regimen of training, with small groups and individual attention, focusing on technical precision and rhythmic attunement. Accreditation from the Prayag Sangeet Samiti institution of Allahabad, India allows Jhankaar to confer degree equivalents in Indian dance and music.
Shylaja Ramprasath
BhavaRagaTala Dance Academy
The fundamental elements of Indian dance and music have always been Bhava – expression, Raga – melody, and Tala – rhythm. Established in Winnipeg in 2013, BhavaRagaTala (BRT) provides the foundation of high-quality classical training in Bharatanatyam dance to dedicated students of all ages and backgrounds, with a curriculum that meets international standards while nurturing curiosity and individuality. Students interested in pursuing academic goals in the art world are coached by guru Shylaja Ramprasath toward arangetram or formal certification.
Palak Dhiman
Private Kathak Tuition
Palak aims to provide a positive and structured environment for novice students to gain a thorough understanding of the Jaipur gharana of Kathak. The emphasis is on guiding students towards embodying a solid foundation of the art form, and encouraging students to take on the teachings in an active way, engaging the teacher’s and students’ creativity and innovation in the process.
Liz Cooper
Momentum Aerial and Acrobatic Troupe
Liz Cooper is a contemporary dancer, aerial circus artist and choreographer based in Winnipeg. She is the head aerial instructor for Monica's Danz Gym and the aerial choreographer for MDG's resident performance company, Momentum, working with artistic director Monica Goermann and theatre director Loc Lu. Together they create original productions fusing dance and circus arts for full-length shows and special events, and have performed around the world. Liz has collaborated with Manohar Performing Arts of Canada in several productions including The Game, After Images and The Eagle & the Lotus. She is passionate about exploring how dance can speak to audiences across cultures and time.
Jozetta Stych
Musician, Producer, Actor
Jozetta Stych is a musician, producer, writer, actor, illustrator, designer, filmmaker and fine artist; inventor of the dobro vina and sitar doyen. With dozens of credits, a large portfolio and prestigious collaborations over a three-decade career, Ms Stych is a vibrant cultural force in Winnipeg. Manohar first performed with Jozetta in Guy Maddin’s film The Saddest Music in the World. Jozetta has been a voice actor in Manohar shows, created cover art for several Manohar’s programs, and provided stunning art direction and scenic animation for Manohar productions Jewels and Sunset Moonrise.