Vani Bhalla Pahwa is amongst the most accomplished Mohiniyattam dancers of the present generation today.

Endowed with a pleasing stage presence, Mohiniyattam has found a dancer dedicated & committed to it's cause.

Vani brings to her audiences a matured presentation of the style, owing to over two decades of experience as a performer & her deep understanding of the aesthetics of the dance form.

The senior-most disciple of Guru Padmashri Smt. Bharati Shivaji - whose name is synonymous with Mohiniyattam, Vani was initiated into dance at a very young age, initially in Bharatanatyam & subsequently Mohiniyattam. With years of training, she has blossomed into a widely acclaimed dancer to be reckoned with. Her north Indian background not withstanding, she has succeeded in effortlessly crossing the divide & imbibing the inner spirit of this exquisitely graceful art form.

She also received training for a brief period at the Kerala Kalamandalam under Smt. Kalamandalam Satyabhama & a brief training in Kalaripayattu.

Vani has been conferred the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award, 2003 for oustanding services, achievements and contributions. She is a recipient of the Sahitya Kala Parishad Scholarship from Delhi Administration, & was perhaps the only North Indian (Punjabi) to be invited to the Kerala Kalamandalam for National Scholarship several years ago. She is actively assisting her Guru & her institute - Centre for Mohiniyattam - in propagating the style through research, teaching & performances.

An alumni of Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University, Vani has graduated in Economics. She has subsequently specialized in Internet related technologies & has many related professional International Certifications to her credit. She is also a REEBOK Certified Fitness Trainer.