Famous classical dancers of India

The rhythm of Dance reverberates in hearts. The Indian heritage of traditions, fine arts, folk music and dances is unfathomable. The performing arts of Dance enables the dancer to express herself or himself through the dynamics of music. Shastriya Nritiya or Indian Classical dance is well known all over the world. Dance is one such medium of expression that transgresses beyond the confines of socio-cultural restrictions. The Sangeet Natak Akademi recognizes eight classical dance forms -Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathakali, Sattriya, Manipuri, and Mohiniyattam. However, the semi-classical Indian dance Chhau is included by the Culture Ministry of the Government of India in its list of Indian Classical Dances. Indian Classical Dances are a profound medium of expression for effectively carrying the innumerable mythological stories from generation to generation. Indian Classical Dancers are known all over the world for their incredible performances and have created a benchmark in Classical Dance. Here are some of the famous classical dancers from India.

Pandit Birju Maharaj

 Renowned recipient of Padma Vibhushan, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Kalidas Samman, Pandit Birju Maharaj took the Indian Classical Dance form, Kathak to new heights. His Kathak dance dramas have set a benchmark. Pandit Birju Maharaj is an eminent Kathak dancer who has trotted the globe and given thousands of dance performances along with workshops for Kathak students. Pandit Birju Maharaj is the founder of Kalashram. At the age of seven, Pandit Birju Maharaj gave his first recital. A direct descendant of Ishwar Prasadji (the first known Kathak teacher), Pandit Birju Maharaj has an excellent command over Hindustani classical music. He is an accomplished vocalist. He has won the Filmfare Award (2016) for Best Choreography for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani. Also, he has received honorary Doctorate degrees from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and Khairagarh University.

 Sonal Mansingh

 Renowned for her Odissi dancing style, Sonal Mansingh is an eminent Indian Classical dancer.Her dancing career started in 1962. Sonal Mansingh founded the Centre for Indian Classical Dances in New Delhi. Sonal Mansingh was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1992. In 1987, she was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. While Sonal Mansingh received the Padma Vibhushan (India’s second highest civilian award) in 2003. She was one of the “Navratnas” nominated by Prime Minister Modi for the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan. The iconic cultural personality of India was conferred with the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) by G.B. Pant University and Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) by the Sambalpur University.

 Mallika Sarabhai

 A multifaceted personality, Mallika Sarabhai is a renowned Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam dancer. She had won many national and international awards- Padma Bhushan and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award being few of them. Her theater work reflects the challenges of the society. She has contributed immensely in the field of acting, writing, and publishing. Mallika Sarabhai has also received French Palme D’or, the highest civilian award of France.

 Rukmini Devi Arundale

 Famed Bharatnatyam exponent and founder of Kalakshetra, Rukmini Devi Arundale was the proud recipient of 1956 Padma Bhushan. An activist of animal rights and welfare, it is believed that Rukmini Devi once declined the chair of the President of India, offered to her by the then Prime Minister of India, Morarji Desai. She is known for her visionary work in the field of dance, education, and culture. Rukmini Devi contributed immensely to the renaissance of Indian Classical Music. She was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 1967 and features in India Today’s list of “100 People Who Shaped India.”


Shovana Narayan

 A Kathak Maestro, Shovana Narayan is an incarnation of the artistic tradition of India. She was honored with the Padma Shri award in 1992 and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards in 1999. The renowned Kathak dancer has written around ten books pertaining to dance. She established herself as a dancer during the 1970s. Her dance evokes the message of power and emotive depth. An alumnus of Miranda House, she completed her M.Phil from the University of Madras in Defence and Strategic Studies in 2008 and M.Phil in Social Sciences from Punjab University in 2001.

 Uday Shankar

Recipient of 1971 Padma Vibhushan, Uday Shankar is best known for his adaptation of Western theatrical techniques to traditional Hindu dance popularized the ancient art form in India, Europe, and the United States. He was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1962 and was awarded the Desikottama by the Visva-Bharati University.

Yamini ‘Poornatilaka’ Krishnamurthy

 Known as Yamini Krishnamurthy, she is a renowned Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam dancer. She started her career at the age seventeen years with a dance performance in 1957. She was honored with the Padma Shri in 1968, Padma Bhushan in 2001 and Padma Vibhushan in 2016. Yamini Krishnamurthy was awarded the “Natya Shastra” award by Shambhavi School of Dance at “Nayika-Excellence Personified” on the occasion of 2014 Women’s Day.