India is known as a country of traditions and culture. The vibrant culture of India is represented well by its classical dance. In India, dance is worship that is performed wholeheartedly and with full enthusiasm. Indian classical dance is as sacred and pure as divine powers are. Indian classical dance is a ritual that reflects the relationship between the human being and God. Indian Classical dance is a way to connect with God.

The backdrop to the Indian Classical dance techniques was permeated by the thought of the divine concept of the cosmos. The art form was kept alive by the Devadasis in the temples as their way of worshiping God was through Indian Classical Dance. The cultural revival brought this dance outside the temples into the theatres of the present. According to Bharatamuni, the dance form was originated by Brahma. It is believed that it was Brahma who, on perceiving the growing desire, anger, jealousy, and misery, went on to meditation and created a fifth Veda, i.e., Natyaveda. The dancing Nataraja, Shiva represents the creation of the art, i.e., Indian Classical dance.

Today in this ultra-modern age, so many dance forms are being practiced all around the country. However, the roots are still connected with the Indian Classical dance. The Indian Classical dance connects to divinity and soothes the soul. The Indian dance form is not only popular in India but also in the whole world. And the credit of the popularity of Indian Classical dance goes to the Indian Classical dancers. They promoted this in the whole world. The Indian Classical dancers are the icon of Indian culture, and knowing about them is a great honor.

LET’S KNOW ABOUT THE LEGENDRY INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCERS WHO MADE AND ARE MAKING INDIA PROUD….

PANDIT BIRJU MAHARAJ

pandit birju maharaj

One of the most renowned Indian classical dances, Kathak, can never be known without mentioning Pandit Birju Maharaj. His actual name was Brijmohan Mishra. He was born in a Kathak dancer’s family, including his uncles ‘Lachhu Mahraj’ and ‘Shambhu Maharaj’ and his father and guru ‘Acchan Maharaj.’ In the popularisation of Kathak, there is a great contribution of Pandit Birju Maharaj. He brought fame to Indian Classical dance not only nationally but globally.

Pandit Birju Maharaj started teaching the dance form at the age of 13. After his teaching career, he opened his own dance school named Kalashram in New Delhi. He is known for his most famous choreography, ‘Kahe Chhed Mohe’of Devdas and ‘Mohe Rang do Laal’ of Bajirao Mastani.

Also Read, The Legendary Musicians of Indian Classical Music

PADMA SUBRAHMANYAM

padma subramanyam

A renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and a research scholar, choreographer, author, teacher, ideologist, and musician. She has left no room empty in the field of Indian Classical dance and music. She started learning Bharatanatyam at a very young age. She always wanted to know a little deeper, so she started learning at a very young age.

She learned bout the gap between history, theory, and actual dance. Hence, she created or invented a new style known as ‘Bharatanatyam.’ She has been awarded the ‘Padma Bhushan’ and ‘Padma Vibhushan.’ Also, she was awarded over 100 awards for her contribution to Indian Classical dance.

SONAL MANSINGH

sonal mansingh

Sonal Mansingh, a prominent name in the Indian classical dance, is mainly known for her Bharatanatyam and Odissi dancing style. She is the founder of the Centre for Indian Classical Dances (CICD) in New Delhi. Her dancing talent brought her many awards, including ‘Sangeet Akademi Award,’ ‘Padma Bhushan’ and ‘Padma Vibhushan.’ Also, she is the author of three prestigious books which are based on Indian Classical Dance. She was even nominated by the President of India to become a Member of Parliament, ‘Rajya Sabha.

MRINALINI SARABHAI

mrinalini sarabhai

Indian classical dancer, instructor, and choreographer is a prominent name in the Indian Classical Dance industry. She is the founder and director of the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts. It is an institute in Ahemdabad that teaches and focuses on dancing, music, drama, and puppetry. She is the author of many stories and poems for the children and has choreographed over 300 dance-drama. She was even awarded the ‘Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship.’ In the year 2018, Google Doodle commemorated her 100th birthday.

YAMINI KRISHNAMURTHY

yamini krishnamurthy

Another name in the list of legendry Indian Classical dancers. She is known for her Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi and was a prominent Indian Classical dance for decades. Her rise to fame started when she performed for the first time in Madras. She was also trained in Carnatic Indian music and Veena. She also opened her own studio, ‘The Yamini School of Dance.’ She has also been awarded Padma Shree in 1968, Padma Bhushan in 2001, and Padma Vibhushan in 2016.

MALLIKA SARABHAI

malika sarabhai

Mallika Sarabhai is also a well-known Indian classical dancer. She is the daughter of world-class dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai and the great Indian scientist Vikram Sarabhai. She is the great Indian Classical dancer who adorned Indian Classical dancing with her skills and talent. Besides being a great dancer, she was excellent in theatre, writing, publishing, and acting. She also created a unique style of contemporary dance forms. She is looking after the ‘Darpana Academy of Performing Arts founded by her parents.

SUDHA CHANDRAN

sudha chandran

Who doesn’t know Sudha Chandran, a great classical Bharatanatyam dancer and renowned actress? Her dancing skills cannot be questioned as she continued her dancing and gave her best to the Indian classical dance field even after her accident, leading to the amputation of her leg. She is the recipient of so many awards and is surely a precious gem in Indian Classical dance.

Also Read, Five legendary Indian Classical Singers

SHOVANA NARAYAN

shovana narayan

The great Indian classical dancers and the Kathak Maestro Shovana Narayan is a gem for Indian Classical dance. Her expressions and innovative style of performing have captivated the audience and. She got trained by Pandit Birju Maharaj. She enriched the world of Indian classical dance with her skills and talent for dancing. She is surely an incarnation of the great artistic and social traditions.

The legacy of these legendry Indian Classical dancers will be carried on, and the Indian classical dance will flourish in the whole world forever…