Dance · Weave · Craft · Heritage
LEESA
MOHANTY
I am a dancer shaped by rhythm,
a dreamer guided by the loom,
a storyteller rooted in heritage...
A Life Rooted in
Tradition, Reaching
for the Future
From the camera lights of childhood to the sacred silence of Odissi, my journey flows between art and enterprise, stage and loom, tradition and innovation.
Through dance, crafts, and cultural collaborations, I offer stories that heal, unite, and inspire.
Dance & Choreography
Leesa Mohanty's performances and choreographies bring Odissi to life as a language of storytelling and emotion.
Weaving Hope, Weaving Heritage
Nirguna revives India's handloom traditions while empowering the weavers who sustain them.
Acting & Cinema — Frames & Narrative
As a child cine artist, Leesa Mohanty's performances have breathed life into cultural texts and narratives.
Designing for Nirguna — Wearable Weaves
Leesa's designs combine traditional elegance with modern styles to create a magical handloom symphony.
Creativity, Collaboration & Craft Futures
A creative space for projects, collaborations, and programs that reimagine craft for the future.
Documenting Heritage and Culture
Essays, talks, and publications that preserve cultural memory and inspire new ideas.
Rural Management &
Institutional Leadership
Leesa's journey was profoundly shaped by her time at IRMA (Institute of Rural Management, Anand), where she imbibed values of community-driven change and strategic institution-building.
As the first HRD Executive at GCMMF (Amul), she entered the world of organizational development and training, learning how institutions grow through people.
This rural management foundation continues to shape her vision — informing the structure and spirit of Nirguna, Nirguna Trust, and the Nirguna Centre for Excellence, where creativity meets strategy and grassroots wisdom.
Body of Work
A Practice Rooted in Culture, Community, and Care
Dance & Choreography
Leesa Mohanty's performances and choreographies bring Odissi to life as a language of storytelling and emotion.
Learn More→Weaving Hope, Weaving Heritage
Nirguna revives India's handloom traditions while empowering the weavers who sustain them.
Learn More→Acting & Cinema — Frames & Narrative
As a child cine artist, Leesa Mohanty's performances have breathed life into cultural texts and narratives.
Learn More→Designing for Nirguna — Wearable Weaves
Leesa's designs combine traditional elegance with modern styles to create a magical handloom symphony.
Learn More→Creativity, Collaboration & Craft Futures
A creative space for projects, collaborations, and programs that reimagine craft for the future.
Learn More→Documenting Heritage and Culture
Essays, talks, and publications that preserve cultural memory and inspire new ideas.
Learn More→Events & Productions
Curated Journeys of Dance & Heritage
International Odissi Festival (2001 & 2006)
Gaurav Gatha
Raja Mauja
Dance of the looms
Nava Nritya Parva
Bhangi Chaahaan (coming soon)
Journal
From the Studio, Loom & Field
Leesa Mohanty's Journal shares essays, field notes, and personal reflections on Odissi, crafts, and cultural heritage. Available in English, Odia, and Hindi, it is a window into her journey as an artist, storyteller,
Nirguna Handloom
An Endeavour by Leesa Mohanty
Nirguna Handloomy, revives India's handloom traditions and empowers its communities, crafting sarees and textiles that weave heritage, dignity, and sustainability in
Testimonials & Recognition
Voices from the Community
"Leesa Mohanty's performances bring Odissi to life with extraordinary grace and storytelling. Her work transcends traditional boundaries while honoring deep cultural roots."
Dr. Priya Sharma
Cultural Critic & Art Historian
"Nirguna has revolutionized our approach to handloom heritage. Through Leesa's vision, we've seen weaver communities empowered and traditions beautifully preserved."
Rajesh Kumar
Handloom Industry Leader
"A true artist who bridges the worlds of dance, craft, and culture. Her collaborations have been transformative for our institution."
Prof. Meera Desai
Director, Institute of Arts
Recognition & Awards
Celebrating Excellence in Art & Heritage
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Odissi Excellence Award
Recognition for outstanding contribution to Odissi dance
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Heritage Preservation Recognition
Honored for efforts in preserving traditional handloom heritage
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Cultural Innovation Honoree
Celebrating innovative approaches to cultural storytelling
Trusted by Organizations Worldwide
Let's Collaborate
Curated Journeys of Dance & Heritage
Sustainable Crafts & Weaver Empowerment
Supporting weavers, artisans, and heritage through partnerships.
Academic & Institutional Collaborations
Collaborating with universities for training and heritage entrepreneurship.
Design & Creative Directorship
Co-creating textiles and craft projects for modern audiences.
Special Lectures & Workshops
Host Leesa Mohanty for talks and workshops on dance, craft, and culture.
Let's Connect
Reach Out, Connect, and Collaborate