Madhavi Mudgal is trained in Bharatnatyam and Kathak under great gurus and have also performed these dance styles. Later she turned to Odissi, under the teacher Guru Hare Krishna, which she adopted as her preferred medium. She has also learned Odissi under the teaching of the renowned Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra. Madhavi has been actively involved in propagating the art of Odissi in New Delhi and other parts of India as well as the world, through teaching, performing and conducting workshops. She has trained a number of accomplished students who are performers now. In 1985 she organized a seminar and festival, Angahaar, a first of its kind event in New Delhi when gurus, scholars and dancers met to revisit the origins of Odissi and think about the future trends of the dance form.

Madhavis father, the late Professor Vinay Chandra Maudgalya was the founder of the famous Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, New Delhis first and most highly reputed institution for the teaching of Hindustani music and classical dance. Madhavi has been teaching Odissi at this institute for many years.For her contribution to the art, Madhavi Mudgal received the Sanskriti Award and the President of Indias award, the Padmashri besides the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for her contribution to the world of Indian Dance.