Classical Dancers

Vani Ganapathy is a celebrated Indian classical dancer recognized for her mastery of the art form. Over the course of her extensive career, she has made notable contributions to the field through her performances and choreography. Vani has solidified her position as a leading figure in the Indian classical dance world, receiving praise for her elegant movements, emotive storytelling, and inventive choreography. Her unwavering commitment to preserving and advancing Indian classical dance has earned her a revered status within the dance community.

Mrinalini Sarabhai was a celebrated Indian classical dancer, choreographer, and instructor who made significant contributions to the performing arts world. She established and led the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad, providing education in dance, drama, music, and puppetry. Sarabhai garnered prestigious accolades like the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri for her exceptional accomplishments in the arts. Her career was characterized by a strong dedication to promoting and safeguarding Indian cultural heritage through her artistic pursuits.

Mallika Sarabhai is a celebrated Indian classical dancer, actress, and activist recognized for utilizing the arts to drive social change. She excels in Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dance styles, showcasing her talent as a performer dedicated to inspiring transformation through her artistic endeavors. With a lifelong commitment to championing significant social issues, Mallika Sarabhai is esteemed for her influential efforts in raising awareness and fostering positive change through her artistry and advocacy.

Rukmini Devi Arundale played a key role in reviving Bharatanatyam, transforming it from a style associated with temple dancers to a respected art form. She advocated for traditional Indian arts and crafts and worked to remove the perceived eroticism from Bharatanatyam, leading to its acceptance among Indian elites. Rukmini Devi received numerous prestigious awards for her contributions to Indian classical arts.

Pandit Birju Maharaj was a renowned Indian dancer, composer, singer, and exponent of the Lucknow "Kalka-Bindadin" Gharana of Kathak dance. He was a leading figure in the classical Indian arts world, celebrated for his expertise in Kathak and Hindustani classical music. Maharaj played a vital role in the preservation and promotion of the traditional dance form. He led the Kathak Kendra in New Delhi and later founded his own dance school, Kalashram. In recognition of his contributions, he was honored with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award in 1986.

Rudolf von Laban was a celebrated dance artist, choreographer, and dance theorist known for his pioneering contributions to modern dance and expressionist dance. He introduced groundbreaking concepts such as Laban movement analysis and Labanotation, which greatly influenced the fields of dance notation and movement analysis. Laban also made important contributions to dance therapy and theatrical movement, and his work extended to diverse areas such as architecture, education, industry, and management.

Prabha is a well-known Indian actress and Kuchipudi dancer from Andhra Pradesh. She has had a successful career in the film industries of Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada, appearing in around 125 films. Prabha has worked with respected actors such as N. T. Rama Rao and Akkineni Nageswara Rao, making a significant contribution to the Tollywood industry. Her outstanding performances have earned her two Nandi Awards, establishing her as a versatile and talented artist.

Sonal Mansingh is a celebrated Indian classical dancer and Guru specializing in Bharatanatyam and Odissi styles. She has received prestigious awards such as the Padma Bhushan in 1992 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2003 for her significant contributions to the field of dance. Apart from her successful dance career, Mansingh was nominated by the President of India to be a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. She is dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Indian dance forms.

Indrani Rahman was a celebrated Indian classical dancer known for her mastery of various dance forms including Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, and Odissi. She achieved global acclaim for her exceptional skills, particularly for popularizing Odissi dance form on international stages. Her victory in the Miss India pageant in 1952 and representation of India in the first Miss Universe pageant further boosted her reputation. Indrani received prestigious accolades such as the Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in recognition of her significant contributions to the performing arts. These honors cemented her status as a pioneering figure in the realm of dance.

Deshamanya Chitrasena was a celebrated Sri Lankan dancer known for revolutionizing dance in Sri Lanka and sharing traditional dance worldwide. In 1943, he established the Chitrasena Dance Company and expanded his expertise by studying diverse dance styles in India. Chitrasena's exceptional skills and commitment earned him performances for esteemed audiences, such as royalty and heads of state. In 1998, his remarkable contributions to the dance world were honored with the Deshamanya award by the Sri Lankan government.

Anna Sokolow, an influential American dancer and choreographer, was known for her focus on social justice and theatricality. She began as a principal dancer in the Martha Graham Company before establishing herself as an independent choreographer. Sokolow formed multiple dance companies and choreographed for renowned companies worldwide, including Batsheva Dance Company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and Joffery Ballet. Her work continues to be performed by the Sokolow Theatre/Dance Ensemble in New York City. Sokolow's legacy is preserved by the Sokolow Theatre/Dance Ensemble and the Sokolow Dance Foundation in Massachusetts.

Yamini Krishnamurthy is a celebrated Indian dancer known for her expertise in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi styles. Throughout her long career, she has mesmerized audiences globally with her graceful performances and exceptional artistry. Krishnamurthy has been honored with various awards for her significant contributions to classical dance. Her storytelling abilities, intricate footwork, and emotive expressions have established her as a prominent figure in the world of Indian classical dance.

Balasaraswati was a highly influential Indian dancer known for her exceptional Bharatanatyam performances. She was instrumental in promoting this classical dance form, both within India and internationally. Throughout her career, she was honored with prestigious awards such as the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan from the Government of India, along with recognition from esteemed institutions like the Madras Music Academy and The Indian Fine Arts Society, Chennai. Her remarkable talent and unwavering commitment to Bharatanatyam significantly influenced the world of dance.

Kelucharan Mohapatra was a legendary Indian classical dancer renowned for his mastery and contributions to Odissi dance. He played a crucial role in reviving and popularizing this classical dance form in the 20th century. Throughout his professional life, Mohapatra dedicated himself to preserving and innovating Odissi dance, establishing himself as a revered guru and exponent of the art. His remarkable achievements were recognized with prestigious awards such as the Padma Vibhushan, honoring his significant impact on the cultural heritage of Odisha and showcasing his unparalleled skill and artistry in classical dance.

Bulantrisna Djelantik was a prominent figure in the fields of traditional Balinese dance, otolaryngology (ENT), and academia. A skilled dancer, she showcased the beauty and intricacies of Balinese dance both locally and internationally. As an ENT specialist, she dedicated her career to improving the health and well-being of her patients. Additionally, her role as a lecturer at Padjadjaran University allowed her to share her knowledge and expertise with future medical professionals. Throughout her professional life, Bulantrisna Djelantik made significant contributions to the arts, healthcare, and education sectors.

Mayadhar Raut is a renowned Indian classical Odissi dancer, choreographer, and Guru with a distinguished career spanning several decades. Known for his exceptional artistry and innovative choreography, Raut has made significant contributions to the field of Odissi dance by training numerous students and disciples. His captivating performances have earned him acclaim worldwide, establishing him as a master of his craft. Raut's dedication to preserving and promoting Odissi dance solidifies his legacy as a leading figure in the dance community.