List of Best Indian Classical Dancers
1: Rukmini Devi Arundale
Date of Birth: February 29, 1904, Madurai, Madras Presidency, British India (now
Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India)
Date of Death: February 24, 1986, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Accolades:
Padma Bhushan
Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship
Rukmini Devi Arundale began her dance journey with Bharatanatyam, sparked by the
encouragement of Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. Defying the societal norms of the
1920s, Rukmini Devi trained under the legendary Pandanallur Meenakshi Sundaram
Pillai and made her public debut in 1935—a groundbreaking act that shattered
stereotypes.
Her distinctive style shifted the focus of Bharatanatyam from sensuality to spirituality,
reimagining it as a deeply devotional and artistic expression.
Through her visionary leadership at the Kalakshetra Foundation, she introduced
structured teaching methods, innovative choreography, and enhanced costumes and
stagecraft. This renaissance not only preserved Bharatanatyam from near extinction
but also elevated it to global prominence as a revered classical art form.
2: Sonal Mansingh
Date of Birth: April 30, 1944, Bombay (now Mumbai), India
Accolades:
Padma Bhushan
Padma Vibhushan
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship
Kalidas Samman
Sonal Mansingh started classical dancing when she was four years old. She got tained
in Bharatanatyam. Undeterred by familial opposition, she followed her passion with
unwavering determination, moving to Bangalore at the age of 18 for advanced training.
Her artistic breakthrough came in 1965 when she began training under Odissi maestro
Kelucharan Mohapatra, mastering the intricate rhythms, fluid movements, and emotive
expressions of the form.
Mansingh’s artistry evolved further as she incorporated elements of Chhau and
Kuchipudi into her repertoire, blending tradition with innovation. Her mastery of
Abhinaya (expressive storytelling) became a defining feature of her style.
In 1977, she laid the foundation of the Centre for Indian Classical Dances, extending
her influence beyond performances. Mansingh not only showcased Indian classical
dance on global stages but also redefined it by addressing contemporary themes,
establishing herself as a transformative force among the top Indian classical
dancers.
3: Leela Samson
Date of Birth: 6 May1951, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
Accolades:
Padma Shri
Sanskriti Award
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Leela Samson’s introduction to Bharatanatyam began at Kalakshetra, where she was
trained under the legendary Rukmini Devi Arundale, shaping her early artistic
foundation. Her breakthrough came with solo performances that highlighted her
flawless technique and expressive storytelling, earning her recognition on global
platforms.
Samson’s style is rooted in the classical traditions of Bharatanatyam but is marked by
a unique sensitivity and innovation that reflect her artistic vision.
Through Spanda, she not only explored group choreography but also created a
platform for reinterpreting traditional narratives. Her dedication to teaching has
furthered the reach of Bharatanatyam, ensuring its relevance for future generations.
4: Shovana Narayan
Date of Birth: September 2, 1950, West Bengal, India
Accolades:
Padma Shri
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Delhi Parishad Samma
OISCA Award
Bihar Gaurav Award
Shovana Narayan is one of the renowned Indian classical dancers, and she is
celebrated for her mastery of Kathak dance form, blending rhythmic precision with
profound emotional depth.
She was trained under legends like Birju Maharaj. She redefined Kathak through
innovative choreographies, philosophical themes, and international collaborations.
Furthermore, Narayan pioneered the genre of dance enactments with contemporary
and philosophical narratives, enriching Kathak’s expressive range.
Narayan’s works resonate with traditional ethos and modern sensibilities, making her
a global ambassador of Indian classical dance. As a performer and guru, her
contributions have shaped Kathak’s narrative and inspired a new generation of artists.
5: Sudha Chandran
Date of Birth: September 27, 1965, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Accolades:
National Film Award
Nandi Special Jury Award
Sudha Chandran’s entry into dance began at the age of eight when she started
learning Bharatanatyam, influenced by her family background. Despite facing a life-
altering accident at 16, which led to the amputation of her right leg, Sudha’s
determination to continue dancing remained unwavering.
Sudha began using a prosthetic Jaipur foot and quickly adapted, returning to the stage
after just two years. Her breakthrough came with the film Mayuri in 1985, where she
portrayed the role of a dancer, showcasing her mastery of Bharatanatyam despite her
disability.
Sudha’s style is characterized by grace, emotional depth, and precision. She has
performed worldwide, contributing to the global appreciation of Bharatanatyam. Her
journey exemplifies resilience, and her performances inspire many across the world.
