Rukmini Devi Arundale
Founder, Kalakshetra.
Rukmini Devi Arundale is the most important revivalist in the Indian classical dance form of Bharathanaatyam. Recognizing the beauty and spiritual value of this art form, she not only learned the dance, but also presented it on stage in spite of strong public protests. She later went on to found the prestigious Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai, India.Rukmini Devi features in India Today’s list of “100 People Who Shaped India.” She was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1956, and Sangeet Natak Academy Fellowship in 1967. Rukmini Devi was also an Indian theosophist and an activist for animal rights, animal welfare and vegetarianism.
The Dhananjayans
Sri V P Dhananjayan and wife Shanta Dhananjayan, popularly known as the Dhananjayans, have become a legendary dancing couple. Having established their own academy Bharata Kalanjali in 1968, the two outstanding disciples of the world renowned Rukmini Devi have become International celebrities.
The Dhananjayans have received innumerable awards throughout the years. Amongst these, some of the most prestigious awards include the Naatyaachaarya Award, the Birla Award, and the Padma Bhushan Award which was presented to them for their development, preservation and propagation of the best of Kalakshetra tradition in Bharathanaatyam through their dance academy Bharata Kalanjali.
Dr. Neena Prasad
Dr Neena has a brilliant academic background, and continues her research pursuits along with her performances and teaching responsibilities. She pursued a rigorous regimen of dance education, achieving proficiency in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam and Kathakali. After her MA in English Literature, she was awarded PhD from Rabindra Bharati University, Calcutta, for her thesis on “The concepts of Lasya and Tandava in the classical dances of South India-A detailed Study”. She was also awarded a post doctoral Research Fellowship from the AHRB Research Centre for Cross Cultural Music and Dance Performance, University of Surrey.
Vempati Chinna Satyam
Chinna Satyam sublimated and systematised Indian Kuchipudi dance, giving it a more classical basis. He refined the art form, bringing it closer to the standards of Natya Shastra and introduced new elements, e.g. chari (leg movements) of Natya Shastra that are significantly different from the interpretations of other dance authorities, such as Padma Subrahmanyam. Previously, it had been considered a “rustic” (folk) form of dance.
Jaikishore
Mosalikanti & Dr Padma Vani
Jaikishore and Padmavani, dance transcends mere physicality, intertwining with aspects such as values, ethics, and discipline. Their teaching philosophy focuses on shaping dancers proficient in Kuchipudi through a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates music, literature, yoga, and more. Their relentless dedication to education and performance has motivated many young dancers to engage with and sustain this classical dance tradition.
Dr K Omanakutyy
Omanakutty is an academic, music teacher and carnatic vocalist vocalist noted for her research and publications in the field of music. Her research on Kathkali music led to her doctorate in this field. She retired serving as the Head of the Department of Music at the University of Kerala. Dr Omanakutty has done extensive research in ragas and music therapy. She also chairs Sangeetha Bharathi, a private organization.
Alappuzha Sreekumar
Former principal of Sri Swathi Thirunal College of Music Alappuzha Sreekumar was also a disciple of Mavelikkara Prabhakara Varma, Neyyattinkara Vasudevan and Palkulangara Ambika Devi. A beloved guru and an impeccable musician was the former principal of Sree Swathi Thirunal College of Music before he retired.