Indian classical dance has a rich legacy and heritage. This legacy and heritage is also present today because of the efforts of prominent dancers of India. These classical dancers have attained mastery over the art of dance with their constant hard work, determination and passion. Dancers of India have presented a poetic expression to different attributes of life. They mesmerize the public with their magnificent and artistic appeal. Indian classical dance is often considered as the form of meditation and medium to meet the divine being. Classical dancers have brought various recognitions from different countries all over the world. Indian dancers have occupied a major part of the Indian culture in the vista of the globe. Here is the brief about some of the great classical dancers of India.
Leading Indian Classical Dancers
Alarmel Valli
Alarmel Valli is an Indian classical dancer and choreographer. She holds the merit of being the leading promoter of the Pandanallur tradition in Bharatnatyam. People praise her for bringing depth, passion and spontaneity into her work. One of the most creative artists of today, Alarmel Valli became the youngest dancer to be honored with the 'Padma Shri' award. She is also the founder of 'Dipashikha', an institution for fine arts in Chennai which was started in 1984. More...
Anita Ratnam
Anita Ratnam is one of the India's most famous classical dancer and choreographer. She is an expert dancer of Bharatnatyam, Kathakali and Mohiniattam. Additionally, she also has mastered Tai Chi and Kalarippayattu. Apart from being a classical dancer, she has presented her multi-dimensional talents as a trans-cultural collaborator, TV personality, speaker, author and cultural activist. More...
Chitra Vishweswaran
Chitra Visweswaran is a famous Bharatnatyam dancer of India. Apart from being a great dancer, she is an admirable teacher and a wonderful choreographer. Chitra established her own dance institution known as 'Chidambaram Academy of Performing Arts' at Chennai, to promote Indian classical dances. She was awarded with the 'Padma Shri' in the year 1992. More...
Mallika Sarabhai
Versatility could very well be Mallika Sarabhai's middle name. She is a multifaceted celebrity. She is a marvelous dancer of Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi. Along with this, she is also a film maker, editor, TV anchor, social activist and a famous alumnus of IIM, Ahmedabad. She is the daughter of the famous scientist, Vikram Sarabhai and reputed dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai. She has also received the 'French Palme D'or', the highest civilian award of France. More...
Padma Subramanyam
Dr. Padma Subramanyam is one of the most respected and reputed Bharatnatyam dancers of India. She is a flawless dancer, choreographer, music composer, singer, research scholar, teacher and an author. She has been honored with Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. More...
Pandit Birju Maharaj
One of the leading exponents of Kathak, Pandit Birju Maharaj is a renowned classical dancer of India. He belongs to the family of Kathak dancers of Lucknow Gharana. He is an excellent Guru of Kathak. Apart from being a famous Kathak dancer, he is also an outstanding musician, instrumentalist, composer, teacher, director, choreographer and a poet. More...
Sonal Mansingh
Sonal Mansingh is one of the finest classical dancers of India. Sonal Mansingh is best known for her Odissi dance. Additionally, she is also a social reformer, philosopher, examiner, speaker, choreographer and trainer. She is the first Indian women dancer to take the prestigious award 'Padma Vibhushan'. Undoubtedly, Sonal Mansingh is a multifarious personality. More...
Yamini Krishnamurthy
Yamini Krishnamurthy is an eminent classical dancer of India. She has attained her mastery over Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi. Yamini Krishnamurthy played a very important role in endorsing Kuchipudi all over the country.She is also the writer of her autobiography 'A Passion for Dance'. More...
