Manohar Performing Arts of Canada, Inc. is a Winnipeg-based dance theatre company that integrates classical Bharatanatyam and Kathak into the contemporary Canadian dance scene. It comprises the first generation of dancers trained entirely in Canada. The company was established in 1991, and has been an independent non-profit organization since 1993.

Manohar explores both traditional and modern aspects of Indian and Canadian culture through the media of classical dance and drama. All of Manohar’s dance productions have been wholly created, choreographed, designed and produced by the artists of the company. To find out more about Manohar Company dancers, see Company Members.

Through the use of the classical Indian dance theatre format (a blend of rhythm, interpretive mime and abstract movement), with originally recorded world music and dialogue in either of Canada's official languages, Manohar's performances are accessible to the mainstream dance audience, while maintaining the beauty and purity of the Kathak and Bharatanatyam dance traditions.

A mythological tale utilizing the traditional jugalbandi or dance-competition structure… a contemporary dance drama of a battered woman searching for strength… a dreamlike psychological exploration of one the world's great historical figures - Manohar's productions are designed to reach out to the audience while challenging the company's dancers both emotionally and choreographically. To read more about Manohar's previous productions, see Company Portfolio.

Manohar is an active part of Winnipeg's vibrant arts scene. Company members dance in several festivals, competitions, multicultural celebrations and community events in addition to Manohar's own mainstage season. Manohar Performing Arts also presents lecture demonstrations on classical East Indian dance and interactive workshops for schools and youth groups, as well as repertory performances throughout the year.

To request a performance, Contact Us.

Membership in the performing group is by audition, and requires the achievement and maintenance of a professional standard in Indian classical dance, as well as an ability to create beyond the boundaries of the traditional dance recital canon. Manohar is associated with Jhankaar School of Dance, which offers instruction in classical Kathak and Bharatanatyam styles of dance, with individual attention and an internationally accredited curriculum.