Manisha
Inspiring wellness, one breath at a time
“The mind is everything. What you think you become.”
– Buddha
In a world focused on physical health, we often overlook our emotional and mental well-being. Here, we’re changing that narrative.
I am Manisha Mahaldar, a passionate Dance Movement Therapy Practitioner and Creative Movement Artist based in Pune. With a lifelong dedication to the performing arts, my journey started young with a love for dance and drama. Performing in theatricals and musicals, and spending time in nature, led me to realize this is where I belong.
Through dance movement therapy, I aid people connect with their inner selves, heal emotional struggles, and find strength in movement. Our bodies and minds are deeply intertwined, and by moving our bodies, we can unlock new levels of emotional well-being.
I am an explorer and a constant learner who thrives on constantly learning and growing every single day, because for me, the beauty lies not just in reaching destinations, but in the intricate patterns of the journeys themselves.
I have explored various forms of artistic expression and realized that creativity is more about self-discovery than just physical movement. Many of us struggle with mental health as we navigate life’s challenges, but it’s important to remember that others are going through similar experiences.
My vision is to educate individuals embrace their authentic selves through movement, meditation, and creative expression, inspiring a happy and healthy life for all. I believe in our innate capacity for growth and awakening and aim to inspire others to tap into their creativity, find their inner wisdom, and unlock their potential.
My workshops blend dance therapy, expressive arts, self-body awareness, music, drama, and mindfulness techniques, fostering emotional exploration and personal growth. This holistic approach caters to diverse needs, providing a safe, nurturing space for self-discovery, emphasizing bodily sensations, movements, and gestures in processing emotions.
So, become a part of our welcoming community and start a journey of personal growth and self-discovery.
My Journey
New World
A whole new world opened up, and things I had been doing on my own as a practice were now being taught to me in structured training.
Life Transformation
Little did I know that my life was changing drastically.
Guiding Others
As I discovered and learned more about myself, I also began guiding others.
Childhood Trauma Discovery
Through body awareness and somatic practices, I discovered a childhood trauma, which opened gateways not only to hearing myself but also to feeling strongly that one of my purposes was to educate and spread awareness to others.
Path Chosen for Me
I believe that this change of paths and switch to a completely different career, serving humanity, was chosen for me. It felt like I did not choose this path, but it chose me.
Connecting the Dots
All the challenges and experiences in the communication industry and dance were leading me to this moment, where everything came together as a whole.
Skill Development
I consciously started learning dance as a skill, with tango, contemporary dance, and authentic movement, bringing me closer to the spirit of myself as a child.
True Self Emergence
A whole new, or rather the true, me emerged on the surface, previously hidden under layers of conditioning, unhealthy beliefs, and doubts. Life came full circle.
Childhood Joy
The things that bring us joy as children are the truest and purest forms of ourselves.
Early Beginnings
Dance, dramatics, and performances from ages 6 to 8.
Growing Passion
Continued choreographing dance routines for school and university stage performances.
Inner Connection
The little girl in me always felt close to her spirit, emotions, and expression; each time she performed for herself in the mirror, wearing different costumes.
Reconnecting with Artists
I started meeting the entertainment community of various artists again.
Professional Performance
I performed in the Romeo and Juliet musical drama in Chicago as a dancer for my first professional performance. This was where I realized that this was a significant part of me.
Reconnecting with Artists
I started meeting the entertainment community of various artists again.
Identity Questioning
The question "Who am I?" and the journey to discover who she really is and what she likes began.
Healing Through Movement
I found movement as my medicine when everything else around me was falling apart—my job, friendships, and sense of direction.
Curiosity and Healing
As my wounds began to heal, a curiosity started, and a sense of returning home began with movement in my life.
DMT Decision
I decided to pursue Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) with little knowledge of what it entailed, driven only by curiosity and a love for dance and movement.