The performing arts of Dance enable the dancer to express herself or himself through the dynamics of music. Shastriya Nritiya or Indian Classical dance is well known all over the world. Dance is one such medium of expression that transgresses beyond the confines of socio-cultural restrictions. But there was a time when this dance form was dying. However, as all art forms undergo a revival and return with a glorious bang, so did Indian classical dance. This dance form has a distinct character that reflects the great cultural and traditional endeavor. Here, in the following lines, we provide the profile and biography of those great artists who made the country proud. 

Mallika Sarabhai

Mallika Sarabhai, a multifaceted personality, is a noted Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam dancer. She has immensely contributed to the fields of acting, writing and publishing. She is a social activist and has participated in many socio-developmental projects initiated by the United Nations. Mallika Sarabhai has also received the "French Palme D'or'', the highest civilian award of France. 

Sonal Mansingh

Sonal Mansingh is an eminent Indian classical dancer and a leading exponent of Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, and Chhau. Besides being a dancer, Sonal Mansingh is a well-known choreographer, teacher, orator, and a social activist. For her contributions in the field of "Classical dancing", she has received accolades from many national and international organizations.

Shovana Narayan

Shovana NarayanShovana Narayan is a Kathak Maestro and an outstanding dancer. She is an incarnation of the great artistic and social traditions of India. She created a new and innovative style of performing arts by enriching it with a deeper and wider canvas of expression and dimensions.

Pandit Birju Maharaj

Birju Maharaj is a leading exponent and torch-bearer of the Kalka-Bindadin gharana of Lucknow. He is the only son and disciple of Shri Achhan Maharaj and is a familiar face of Indian Kathak dance all over the world. He has performed in almost all the countries of the globe.

Rukmini Devi Arundale

Rukmini Devi Arundale was a reputed dancer and choreographer of Bharatnatyam, an Indian classical dance form. Her charismatic personality and contribution to the renaissance of Indian Classical music attained her niche in the arena of Indian culture. It is believed that Rukmini Devi had declined the chair of the President of India, once offered by Morarji Desai, the then Prime Minister of India.

Yamini Krishnamurthy

Yamini 'Poornatilaka' Krishnamurthy, better known as Yamini Krishnamurthy is a renowned Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam dancer. She is also considered as the torch-bearer of the Kuchipudi form of dance. She started her career with a dance performance in 1957, at the age of seventeen years.

Uday Shankar

Uday Shankar initiated a unique movement of revival of classical dances in 1930. Though he had no formal training in any classical form, his presentations were creative. Uday Shankar used the essence of various traditions and techniques in his dance dramas and succeeded in presenting an integrated composition.