Tribe Verified· Sangeet Natak Akademi Award-winning directors

Our Legacy: Awards and Guru Parampara

byNirupama RajendraClasses online and at studio in BasavanagudiStarts from₹3,000 per workshopView full gallery

Thirty years of bringing ancient epics to life, grounded in a lineage of legendary Gurus and recognized through national acclaim.

"There is no short cut to success." I fondly remember these words from my legendary Kathak Guru, Dr. Maya Rao. Her compliments after a performance, captured here, moved us to tears and remain a cherished blessing.

With my dear Guru, the legendary Kumudini Lakhia. I am forever indebted to her for the beautiful and inspiring choreographies she created for us.

Another cherished memory with our Guru Kumudini Lakhia, whose every lesson and interaction was an inspiration. Her art lives on through her work.

A treasured moment with my Guru, Padma Vibhushan Dr. Padmasubrahmanyam, after my student's performance. When your Guru's Guru blesses your student, the circle of tradition feels complete.

With my Guru Dr. Padmasubrahmanyam, whose presence and appreciation for my student's performance made the evening feel supremely special.

A most memorable and humbling experience receiving the Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar from the honorable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. My gratitude for this great honor.

I am deeply touched to have received the Devi Award from The New Indian Express. This recognition is a testament to the love and support from my family, gurus, students, and well wishers.

A spontaneous moment at the Devi Awards, where I was asked to manifest the Devi within through dance. Art is a language that flows naturally.

Rajendra and I feel deeply humbled to be honored as Fellows of the Vedic Wellness University by the Maharaja of Mysore, Sri Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar.

Humbled to be bestowed with the Shivarathri Kala Puraskar by the Dr. C.N. Ashwathnarayan foundation, alongside other esteemed National Awardees from Karnataka.

About Our Legacy: Awards & The Guru Parampara

When you join our school, you are not simply enrolling in a dance class. You are stepping into an unbroken chain of tradition. Every curriculum we design, from our intensive Natyashastra masterclasses to our foundational Kathak and Bharatanatyam batches, is infused with the same methodology and discipline passed down by our Gurus, Maya Rao and Kumudini Lakhia. This lineage is the heart of our teaching, ensuring your foundation is built on the same rigor and aesthetic delight that has earned us national recognition.

A Journey Defined by Lineage

For three decades, Abhinava Dance Company has been more than a school. It is a sanctuary for the Guru-Shishya Parampara, the sacred teacher-student tradition that forms the backbone of Indian classical arts. We believe that dance is a spiritual phenomenon, and our approach to teaching reflects this reverence.

We are deeply humbled to have received recognition for our contributions, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar and the Devi Award. However, for us, these honors are not just personal milestones. They are validations of the methods we have refined over 30 years—methods that we now share with every student who walks through our doors in Basavanagudi and Rajajinagar.

Why Our Approach Matters

Rooted in Mastery: Our training isn't pulled from thin air. It is derived from the teachings of legends like Maya Rao and Kumudini Lakhia. When you learn footwork, abhinaya, or the complexities of Natyashastra, you are learning the very same techniques that have sustained our professional stage productions for years.
Technical Depth: Beyond simple movement, we focus on the mechanics of art. Our proprietary Deshi Maarga Adavu vocabulary is a result of years of research, designed to help dancers understand their bodies, balance, and spatial awareness with scientific precision.
Beyond the Studio: We maintain a supportive environment where students can observe professional company rehearsals, interact with visiting masters, and understand the discipline required to transition from a student to a performing artist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this training suitable for beginners? Yes. Our Guru-Shishya environment is tailored to provide personal attention, regardless of whether you are taking your first steps or returning to dance after years away.

Do you offer formal certifications? We emphasize the journey of learning over simple certifications, though we conduct internal assessments and prepare students for grade-level exams. We also offer specialized certification in our proprietary Deshi Maarga vocabulary for those looking to deepen their technical knowledge.

Sangeet Natak Akademi Award-winning directors — Approved by the tribe

Nirupama Rajendra

Classes online and at studio in BasavanagudiStarts from ₹3,000 per workshop

We are Nirupama and Rajendra. For thirty years, we have poured our hearts into dance, guided by the wisdom of our Gurus. We don't just teach choreography; we share a way of life that connects you to your roots and your own potential.