Thomas Vo Van Tao: The Rare Master of Mohiniyattam

Thomas Vo Van Tao, an exceptional male Mohiniyattam artist, is renowned for his graceful mastery, trained by Smt Kalamandalam Hymavathi and Dr. Neena Prasad.

Thomas Vo Van Tao is a pioneering male Mohiniyattam artist renowned for his profound dedication and expertise. Originating from France, he embarked on his Indian classical dance journey with Bharatanatyam at 12, mastering its intricacies over a decade before transitioning to Mohiniyattam. Under the mentorship of Smt Kalamandalam Hymavathi and Dr. Neena Prasad, Thomas honed his skills, becoming one of the rare male exponents of this traditionally female dance form.

His performances, acclaimed for their grace and fluidity, have captivated audiences globally, including in India, France, Canada, and Sweden. Beyond performing, Thomas imparts his knowledge at the prestigious Mandapa Centre in Paris and leads workshops across Europe. Academically, he holds degrees in History, Hindi, Language Didactics, and Performing Arts, with research on the contemporary history of Bharatanatyam and male performers. His performance repertoire includes NMACC Mumbai, UNESCO Paris, and the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music in Morocco.

 

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