Originating from Bucharest, Romania, Monica Fotescu began her dance training at the Romanian State Ballet School before continuing her studies at the Académie de Danse Classique in Monte Carlo. Her professional career has taken her to major European stages, including engagements in Nancy and Düsseldorf, as well as work as a First Soloist in Meiningen. Since autumn 2003, she has been based at Theater Dortmund, where she has performed as a leading dancer and worked as a choreographic assistant.

Monica made her choreographic debut in 2006 with Casanova in Bucharest. Her choreographic language is rooted in neo-classical ballet, distinguished by musicality, clarity of line, and a contemporary sensibility. This approach is also reflected in later works, including Inhouse, which has reached audiences internationally in more than 15 countries.

Alongside her stage career, Monica has developed a substantial profile in dance therapy and wellbeing. After first encountering Sophrology during her time in Monte Carlo, she completed advanced training and obtained a master’s degree in Sophrology in Liège and Andorra. She later combined Sophrology principles with psychotherapy to create ChoreoSophrology, a dance-based therapeutic method that is now practised in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and Germany.

Monica is also a certified instructor of the GYROKINESIS®️ Method, a holistic movement system emphasising spinal mobility, strength, and coordinated, flowing sequences. Integrated into her coaching practice, the method supports body awareness, functional range of motion, and overall coordination, reinforcing the connection between physical organisation and mental focus.

Her teaching experience includes work at Ballettschule Vieru (Schweinfurt), Theater Meiningen, Ballettschule Fotescu, and a range of international workshops, including SIBA’s Summer Dance Intensive in Salzburg and the International Romanian Ballet Summer Workshop.

Monica’s artistic achievements include First Prize at the ‘Oleg Danovski’ International Competition (1996), as well as multiple nominations for ‘Best Dancer in NRW’ (Germany). She is fluent in Romanian, German, English, and French, is a founding member of the Romanian Dance Union, and is a member of the International Dance Council (CID) at UNESCO.