Press Acclaim

"Leeye Parabrahmani, a thematic feature based on Nava Vidha Bhakti…was a marathon solo performance by Monica Cooley of USA. …The highlight was the total emotional involvement of Monica in the universality of the theme not to speak of her immaculate footwork and nritta. The success of the presentation was largely due to her translating into action the sublime choreography of her Gurus. …The finale, a depiction of 'Atmanivedanam'…had a profound effect on the audience. It emphasized the fact that all modes of worship ultimately lead the devotee to merge into the Supreme Brahman."
Indian Express 1995

"The just-ended 4th Videshi Kalakar Utsav…gave us a chance to throw out a commonly held assumption that the foreigner can be accepted as a student but rarely as an artist. In Monica Cooley's Bhairavi Varnam there was a degree of inner involvement, of Satvika and cognition of the essence of Bharata Natyam that was unworthy of any kind of concession. The Ponniah Pillai composition sung by her guru M.V. Narasimhachari, came alive in her reposeful and detailed brick by brick build-up. …The jathi sequences were crisp and the leg stretches, especially at the back, taut and clean in their lines. …The Venkatasubbiah song, with its devotional mood, was another sterling glimpse of this American girl's understanding of Bharata Natyam."
Hindustan Times 1992

"She elaborately danced Dikshitar's Thodi Varnam, 'Roopamum Zuchi.' In this she superbly executed the beautiful rhythmic patterns (jathis), the gestural body movements (abhinaya), and the theermanams (rhythmic finales) and in so doing won warm appreciation from the audience. She danced the Thillana in Kalyani raga balancing grace with sharpness and precision"
Dinamani 1992 (Translated from Tamil)

"A student of Narasimhachari, the tall, slim Monica, endowed with a bright smile, was a picture of concentration, grace and dedication and her forte was virtuosity in abhinaya."
The Hindu 1992

"She began her program with Thodaya Mangalam in Ragamalika with beautiful movements and poses. She elaborately danced the Bhairavi Varnam, 'Mohamana En Meethil' exhibiting perfection in technical details of rhythm and body movements. Her fast and precise footwork was applauded by the audience. The padams in Manirangu and Suruti ragas left the audience spellbound. Monica concluded her program with Thillana in the raga Hindolam with beautiful neck movements, hand gestures and footwork patterns."
Dinamani 1990 (Translated from Tamil)