The Most Famous Bharatanatyam Dancer, Ranked

Choose the dancer you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 07:03
Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form, is steeped in rich tradition and history, captivating audiences with its intricate movements and expressive prowess. As enthusiasts and newcomers alike delve into this art, distinguishing between the numerous skilled performers becomes both a challenge and a necessity. A ranked list of the most famous Bharatanatyam dancers serves not only as a guide to the leading figures in the dance community but also encourages a deeper engagement with the art form. By participating in the voting process, individuals contribute to a collective understanding of what makes a Bharatanatyam dancer stand out. This engagement further enriches the community's appreciation of the dance, while providing dancers the recognition they deserve. Such a ranking system could also inspire budding dancers and provide a benchmark of excellence that they can aspire to achieve in their own performances.

Who Is the Most Famous Bharatanatyam Dancer?

  1. 1
    72
    votes
    Padma Subrahmanyam
    Augustus Binu/ facebook · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Considered one of the foremost exponents of Bharatanatyam, she has contributed significantly to the art form through her innovative approach and research. She has also authored several books on Bharatanatyam.
  2. 2
    59
    votes
    Known for her exquisite abhinaya (expressions), Alarmel Valli has been performing Bharatanatyam for over four decades. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the art form.
  3. 3
    31
    votes
    With a career spanning over three decades, Malavika Sarukkai is known for her unique style and interpretation of Bharatanatyam. She has also experimented with fusion forms of dance.
  4. 4
    22
    votes
    A former director of the Kalakshetra Foundation, Leela Samson is a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, and teacher. She has also worked in the film industry as a choreographer.
  5. 5
    22
    votes
    A popular film actress in South India, Shobana is also an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer. She has performed extensively both in India and abroad, and has received numerous awards for her contributions to the art form.
  6. 6
    17
    votes
    Yamini Krishnamurthy
    Anjali Reddy J · CC BY-SA 3.0
    A veteran Bharatanatyam dancer, Yamini Krishnamurthy has been performing for over six decades. She is known for her grace, precision, and emotive abhinaya.
    Yamini Krishnamurthy in other rankings
  7. 7
    11
    votes
    A disciple of Padma Subrahmanyam, Priyadarshini Govind is known for her fluid movements and intricate footwork. She has also experimented with contemporary forms of Bharatanatyam.
  8. 8
    16
    votes
    Despite losing a leg in a tragic accident, Sudha Chandran went on to become a successful Bharatanatyam dancer, actress, and television personality. She is known for her perseverance and determination.
    Sudha Chandran in other rankings
  9. 9
    13
    votes
    A celebrated film actress in the 1950s and 60s, Vyjayanthimala is also a trained Bharatanatyam dancer. She has performed extensively both in India and abroad, and has also served as a member of parliament.
  10. 10
    11
    votes
    Often referred to as the "mother of modern Bharatanatyam," Rukmini Devi Arundale played a pivotal role in reviving and popularizing the dance form in the 20th century. She also founded the Kalakshetra Foundation, a renowned school for the arts in Chennai.
    Rukmini Devi Arundale in other rankings

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Ranking factors for famous dancer

  1. Skill and technique
    The dancer's mastery of the various elements of Bharatanatyam, such as footwork, hand gestures, and facial expressions.
  2. Performance style
    The dancer's ability to convey emotion and storytelling through their movements and expressions.
  3. Artistic expression
    The dancer's creativity and ability to bring something new and unique to the traditional Bharatanatyam repertoire.
  4. Critical acclaim
    Reviews from critics and other dance professionals can also be taken into account to gauge the dancer's impact on the wider dance community.
  5. Popularity and audience appeal
    The dancer's popularity with audiences and their ability to draw large crowds to performances can also be considered.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Bharatanatyam dancer. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or dancer is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 5734 views
  • 217 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each dancer once every 24 hours. The rank of each dancer is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous bharatanatyam dancer

Bharatanatyam is a classical Indian dance form that originated in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. It is known for its intricate footwork, graceful movements, and expressive facial expressions. The dance form has its roots in the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu and was traditionally performed by women as a form of worship. Over the years, Bharatanatyam has gained popularity and recognition on a global level, with many renowned dancers showcasing their skills and talent on various stages. The dance form has evolved to include contemporary themes and styles, while still maintaining its traditional essence. Several notable Bharatanatyam dancers have made significant contributions to the art form, including Balasaraswati, Rukmini Devi Arundale, and Leela Samson, among others. Their performances have inspired and influenced many aspiring dancers and have played a crucial role in elevating the status of Bharatanatyam as a respected art form. The question of who is the most famous Bharatanatyam dancer is a highly debated topic, with many accomplished performers vying for the title. However, one thing is certain - Bharatanatyam continues to captivate audiences and inspire awe with its beauty and grace.

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