An Insightful Guide On The Classical Dance Legends Of India

India is a land of different cultural traditions. In fact, the roots of Indian classical dance are embedded deep into the cultural heritage of our country. Over the centuries, Indian classical dance has undergone a series of changes and has come back with a glorious bang! Today, when we talk about the different classical dances of India, one thing that we cannot miss out for sure is the classical dance legends of India.

The Indian classical dance has a distinctive character and it also showcases our great cultural and traditional endeavor. Indian Classical dance is popular across the world and it is known for its grace, technique, charm, expressions, and years of practice and patience that makes the Indian classical dance one of the most recognized and reputed artforms. In fact, India has given rise to some of the best classical dance legends in the world. In this article, we will talk about the best and the most popular classical dance legends of India.

Related Article: A Memorable Walk Through The Life Of Pandit Birju Maharaj Ji

Top 7 Classical Dance Legends of India

1. Rukmini Devi Arundale

Rukmini Devi is one of the most notable names when it comes to Bharatanatyam dance. However, her role as an artist was not just limited to performing. But she was the face who was responsible for transforming the Bharatanatyam dance. Earlier the Bharatanatyam dance was known as “Sadhir”, and it was considered an inappropriate dance form. However, with her determination and hard work, Rukmini Devi Arundale changed the complete look of this industry. She removed all the sensual dance moves and replaced them with musical instruments.

By bringing in instruments such as violin and costumes and jewelry inspired by temple design, she gave a 360-degree makeover to the Bharatanatyam dance. She even went ahead and collaborated with various dancers and artists and this also gave rise to dance-based dramas. These dramas were based on Ramayana and Mahabharata. Rukmini Devi Arundale was a dancer, choreographer, and she made Bharatanatyam an acceptable classical dance form under British Rule. In 1956, she was awarded the Padma Bhushan, and she was also the first woman to be nominated for Rajya Sabha.

2. Uday Shankar

When mentioning the classical dance legends of India, another name that we cannot miss out on for sure is Uday Shankar. He is an internationally acclaimed dancer and is well-known for bringing in an unbeatable mix of western and classical dance. Though Uday Shankar didn’t pursue any professional course in dancing, his witty and smart approach towards creating an integrated dance form is what makes him popular amongst the masses.

From a very young age, Uday Shankar was exposed to folk dance and classical dance. As he went to Europe, he understood the concept of ballet. That’s when he decided to bring these dance forms together under a single roof. Uday Shankar was the recipient of Padma Vibhushan and in 1965 Uday Shankar Centre for Dance was set up in Kolkata.

3. Pandit Birju Maharaj

Pandit Birju Maharaj was fondly called the “Kathak Maestro”. He was trained under the guidance and direction of his uncles Shambhu Maharaj, Lachhu Maharaj, and his father Acchan Maharaj. He started his kathak training when he was very young and he was also the head of the Kathak Kendra in New Delhi. Back in 1998, he laid the foundation of his own kathak school, Kalashram. With his dedication and perseverance, he brought kathak to everyone’s notice. He was a well-known Bollywood dancer and has choreographed some very popular songs of the movies- Devdas, Bajirao Mastani, etc.

4. Kelucharan Mohapatra

Kelucharan Mohapatra was another great classical dance legend who is remembered for his valuable contributions to Odissi dance. He was very good at playing instruments and he could easily play mridangam, tabla, and pakhawaj. When he was a young boy, he used to perform Gotipua, a traditional dance from Odisha. Apart from dance and music, he was a very creative person and he even excelled at Pattachitra paintings. Kelucharan Mohapatra was the first person from Odisha to receive Padma Vibhushan.

5. Mrinalini Sarabhai

When we say that India is a land of different cultures and traditions we truly mean it. Another name that we would like to include in the list of famous classical dancers of India is Mrinalini Sarabhai. She is a phenomenal dancer and holds expertise in Bharatanatyam and Kathakali. Moreover, she has also helped in bringing the Bharatanatyam dance outside the temple and made it an acceptable art form in the social circle of her fellow artists.

Mrinalini Sarabhai was the director and founder of the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts. Today, she is not only looking after her institute but also actively raising her voice for women’s empowerment and their rights.

6. Shovana Narayan

Shovana Narayan has been the disciple of Pandit Birju Maharaj. She is known both as a performer and a choreographer. Shovana Narayan has also collaborated with many leading international artists and dancers. Apart from dance, she has also authored many books revolving around dance and performing arts. She has been awarded the Padma Shri for her outstanding contribution to the field of Kathak.

7. Kalamandalam Kalyankikutty Amma

Mohiniyattam is one of the beautiful and graceful dance forms. Amma is the popular face and a renowned name when it comes to Mohiniyattam. She has been a phenomenal dancer of her time and her work has been appreciated by people all over the world. She has been awarded many titles for instance- the Kavayitri title by Vallathol in 1940, Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 1974, Kerala Sangeet Natak Academy Fellowship in 1974, Keerthi Shanku title by the Government of Kerala, Kalamandalam in 1980, and Kerala Sahitya Academy Award in 1985.