Sangeeta Thokchom : A young talented Manipuri classical dancer

Hueiyen Lanpao *

Sangeeta Thokchom: A young talented Manipuri classical dancer :: Pix - HL

Manipur is undoubtedly the 'Powerhouse of Sports' and the land of rich art and culture. The political and social turmoil of the State have often been overshadowed by the achievements of great sportspersons and artistes of the State. There have been many great Manipuri personalities in the field of art and culture, and many more have come up to follow their footsteps. One such budding talented Manipuri classical dancer is Sangeeta Thokchom.

Born on March 21, 1994 to Thokchom Shamungou Singh and Thiyam Chaobi Devi of Singjamei Thokchom Leikai in Imphal, Sangeeta inherited her artistic talents from her late grandfather Thokchom Gopal, who was an eminent artiste of Nata Sankritan (Pung Cholom).

She is currently pursuing Master of Arts in Manipuri Dance at Manipur University, and also a first-year student of Post-Diploma in Raas at Jawaharlal Nehru Manipuri Dance Academy, Imphal.

This young Manipuri classical dancer has completed a three-year diploma in Manipuri dance from JN Manipuri Dance Academy. She is also learning martial arts under the guidance of KIMACS.

Right from her childhood, Sangeeta has shown keen interests in dancing. She was honoured with the Bal Shree Award in creative performance in the year 2008. She was also awarded Khukhu Sarkar and Savita Mehta gold medals for exceptional performance during her three-year diploma course in Manipuri dance.

Sangeeta gave her maiden public performance during a National Integration Camp held at Raipur in 2007. She bagged the first position in solo dance competition there. Apart from dancing, Sangeeta is also an anchor with Doordarshan Kendra Imphal for a programme titled "Nahei Phampak".

Sangeeta's mother Chaobi first taught her dancing from a very tender age. Later, she began to learn dancing from eminent Shumang Lila artiste Sanaton.

Her gurus also include Padmashree Thouranisabi, Sorojini ( JNMDA) , Tiken (FADEC), Abo (JNMDA), Randolph, Dr Chaoreikanba (Manipur University), Nimita, Rajendro (theatre), Diya khwairakpam (film director), and Sujaboro (KIMACS).

Sangeeta also wishes to do extensive research in Manipuri dance and tour the whole world to showcase the richness of Manipuri art and culture in the near future.