Top 10 Indian Classical Dancers: Icons of Indian Dance Forms

Indian classical dance revolves around graceful movements to convey emotions and showcase cultural heritage. Each style, such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, or Odissi, reflects the distinct history and traditions of its region, making it a unique expression of India’s diverse culture.
These dances have been practiced and perfected for centuries, and their beauty and intricacy have earned admiration worldwide. Today, they continue to thrive as a symbol of artistic excellence and a bridge connecting generations to India’s cultural roots.
Here’s a list of the Top 10 Indian Classical Dancers who have mastered these exquisite traditions and brought them to life with their skill and dedication.
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.
6: Geeta Chandran

Date of Birth: January 14, 1962, Cochin, Kerala, India
Accolades:
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Geeta Chandran’s journey into Bharatanatyam began at the age of five under the guidance of her first Guru, Abhinaya Saraswathy, later refining her skills with Jamuna Krishnan and Kalanidhi Narayanan.
Standing tall amongst the top Indian classical dancers, her breakthrough came with her Junior Fellowship project on Vachika Abhinaya, linking her dance to her training as a Carnatic vocalist. She gained recognition for integrating Haveli Sangeet and northern devotional poetry into Bharatanatyam, showcasing her innovative style.
Geeta’s expressive Abhinaya, rooted in traditional storytelling, combined with her technical precision, elevated her performances.
As the founder of Natya Vriksha, she has redefined Bharatanatyam through group choreographies and solo pieces, promoting it as a medium for social and cultural dialogue. Her work embodies a seamless blend of classical depth and contemporary relevance, earning her accolades as a transformative artist in Indian classical dance.
7: Sujata Mohapatra

Date of Birth: June 27, 1968, Balasore, Odisha, India
Accolades:
- Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
- Mahari Award
- Sanjukta Panigrahi Award
- Raaza Foundation Award
- Baisakhi Award
Sujata Mohapatra’s journey into Odissi began in her early years under Guru Sudhakar Sahu in Balasore, where she first mastered the foundational techniques. Her breakthrough came in 1987 when she moved to Bhubaneswar to train under the legendary Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra at the Odissi Research Centre. Her dance style is characterized by precise movements, intricate footwork, and expressive Abhinaya, making her a celebrated soloist.
As a core member of the Srjan Dance Troupe and its principal, she has elevated the art form globally through performances and teaching, combining tradition with innovation to preserve Odissi’s legacy.
8: Madhavi Mudgal

Date of Birth: October 4, 1951, Orissa, India
Accolades:
- Padma Shri
- Sanskriti Award
- Orissa State Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Madhavi Mudgal’s journey into Odissi began in her early childhood, performing at just four years old. Born into a family deeply rooted in Indian classical arts, she initially trained in Bharatnatyam and Kathak but found her true calling in Odissi, attracted by its subtle lyricism.
Her breakthrough came when she joined Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra’s lineage, and she quickly became known for her graceful expressions and fluid movements. Madhavi’s contributions to Odissi go beyond performances—she has played a key role in establishing the dance form internationally.
Through her choreography and extensive global performances at festivals in Europe, the U.S. and South America, Madhavi has highlighted Odissi’s unique cultural and emotional depth, helping it gain widespread recognition.
9: Rajendra Gangani

Accolades:
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Rajendra Gangani is a celebrated Indian Kathak dancer and a leading figure in the Jaipur Gharana. Beginning his training at just four under his father, Pt. Kundanlal Gangani, he developed extraordinary technical skills and creativity in his performances. Gangani’s expertise lies in blending traditional Jaipur Gharana techniques with innovative compositions, including group performances and dance dramas.
His work, characterized by precision and expressive storytelling, has received widespread acclaim. A graduate of the Kathak Kendra, Delhi, he has significantly enriched Indian classical dance with his thematic and choreographic contributions, leaving an indelible mark on the art form.
10: Yamini Krishnamurthy

Date of Birth: December 20, 1940, Madanapalli, Andhra Pradesh, India
Date of Death: August 3, 2024, New Delhi, India
Accolades:
- Padma Shri
- Padma Bhushan
- Padma Vibhushan
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Yamini Krishnamurthy’s journey into dance began at the age of five when she started training at the Kalakshetra School of Dance in Madras under Rukmini Devi Arundale. Her breakthrough came in 1957 with her first Bharatanatyam performance in Madras, which quickly gained recognition.
Though she started with Bharatanatyam, Yamini’s versatility led her to master Kuchipudi and Odissi as well, establishing her as one of the leading figures in Indian classical dance. Her style was a blend of grace, precision, and emotional depth, captivating audiences worldwide.
Particularly noted for popularizing these forms in North India, Yamini performed across various countries, including the US and USSR, and was deeply influenced by her cultural surroundings, especially the Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram.
Yamini’s contributions not only enriched Indian classical dance but also ensured its widespread global appreciation as one of the best Indian classical dancers.
FAQs
Who are the most famous classical dancers in India?
Some of the most famous classical dancers in India include Rukmini Devi Arundale, Sonal Mansingh, Leela Samson, Sudha Chandran, and Yamini Krishnamurthy.
Which classical dancers have received the Padma Awards?
Dancers like Rukmini Devi Arundale, Sonal Mansingh, Leela Samson, Sudha Chandran, Geeta Chandran, and Yamini Krishnamurthy have received prestigious Padma Awards for their exceptional contributions to Indian classical dance.
Who are some of the youngest classical dancers to win major awards?
Younger dancers like Sujata Mohapatra and Madhavi Mudgal have won significant awards, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, at a relatively young age.
Which classical dancers have been honored with the Padma Bhushan?
Yamini Krishnamurthy, Rukmini Devi Arundale, and Sonal Mansingh have been honored with the Padma Bhushan for their outstanding contributions to classical dance.
Who are the most successful classical dancers in India?
Dancers like Rukmini Devi Arundale, Sonal Mansingh, Leela Samson, and Yamini Krishnamurthy are among the most successful in India, known for their international recognition, contributions to preserving dance forms, and numerous awards such as the Padma awards.