Riya Mandal is a dancer, choreographer and a movement therapist, with formal training in Kathak, Kalaripayattu, Chhau, release technique and floor work. Recently she has begun exploring contemporary dance forms, in an attempt to evolve an idiom that is informed and influenced by Indian traditions but not limited by it. Riya has choreographed for various theatre productions and has been creating her own work in collaboration with artists from different genres such as film, music and theatre. She has performed solos at the Khoj International Residency, Ignite! Festival of Contemporary Dance, Delhi Contemporary Arts Week and the Gati Summer Dance Residency, New Delhi; and the Seoul Art Center, Korea. She has a BA (Hons) in Psychology from Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi, and BA (Hons) in Kathak from Dhwani (Shambhu Maharaj Kathak Academy), New Delhi. Her degree in psychology sparked her interest in closely examining the mechanics of human behavior which reflects in her work as an artist.