--- title: "Classical Dance Awards and Guru Lineage in Bangalore" description: "Explore the rich legacy and award-winning expertise of the Abhinava Dance Company. Discover our traditional Guru-Shishya training in Kathak and Bharatanatyam." canonical: https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra/dance-training-programs/our-legacy-awards-the-guru-parampara last_updated: 2025-09-08 --- # Our Legacy: Awards and Guru Parampara Tribe Verified · Sangeet Natak Akademi Award-winning directors By [Nirupama Rajendra](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra) · Classes online and at studio in Basavanagudi · ₹3,000 per workshop (estimate) Part of [Dance Training Programs](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra/dance-training-programs). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra/dance-training-programs/gallery) Thirty years of bringing ancient epics to life, grounded in a lineage of legendary Gurus and recognized through national acclaim. ## Photos and videos - [Video: "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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fa3ed10e-3284-4d68-92e4-ff95544b63c2) - ![With my dear Guru, the legendary Kumudini Lakhia. I am forever indebted to her for the beautiful and inspiring choreographies she created for us.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a883edef-b256-4479-8d0c-f61d50cfe013) - ![Another cherished memory with our Guru Kumudini Lakhia, whose every lesson and interaction was an inspiration. Her art lives on through her work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e03914a0-42f6-46ea-8367-1102b4cc4060) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/210cf382-69e1-45af-b62e-b0635833c62d) - ![With my Guru Dr. Padmasubrahmanyam, whose presence and appreciation for my student's performance made the evening feel supremely special.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/31a26f29-e5fe-4fef-ac49-c59ada918c6c) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3e5f10de-de4b-4b8a-9b53-c6afe399d4bd) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/993142d3-acc9-4149-9f66-ae5c27a245ee) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/817c95f6-9c32-4f02-bd24-137f991ac678) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0fbbe8e1-5684-4fa4-94cc-b63aa1190c17) - [Video: Humbled to be bestowed with the Shivarathri Kala Puraskar by the Dr. C.N. Ashwathnarayan foundation, alongside other esteemed National Awardees from Karnataka.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2cf480d2-2534-42f5-bf4c-046aec3af39c) - [Video: Heartfelt congratulations to my husband and partner in dance, T.D. Rajendra, on receiving the Narthaka 2025 Award for his remarkable contributions to Kathak.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a11c7cb7-85a9-4963-a6a7-0c4686337e71) - ![We are thrilled that T.D. Rajendra and his brother T.D. Srinivasa will receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the S.V.N. Trust for their outstanding contributions to art and acoustics.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9ff42840-6b3e-41cc-bd19-53f854aabb00) - ![The list of esteemed artists and visionaries being honored with the SVN Rao Birth Centenary Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award. We are proud to be among them.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a5e4c40b-acae-4fe0-a72b-c98623b8fd17) ## 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. ## About Nirupama Rajendra 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. [See all of Nirupama Rajendra's services](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra) ## More from Dance Training Programs by Nirupama Rajendra - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra/dance-training-programs/featured) - [Join Our Dance Family: Classes for All](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra/dance-training-programs/join-our-dance-family-classes-for-all) - [Student Journeys: From First Steps to Solo Debuts](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra/dance-training-programs/student-journeys-from-first-steps-to-solo-debuts) - [Advanced Learning: Masterclasses & Workshops](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra/dance-training-programs/advanced-learning-masterclasses-workshops) - [Abhinava on Stage: Productions & Performances](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra/dance-training-programs/abhinava-on-stage-productions-performances) - [From the Archives](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra/dance-training-programs/from-the-archives) ## More services by Nirupama Rajendra - [Dance Choreography Services](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra/dance-choreography-services) - [Classical Dance Performances & Productions](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra/classical-dance-performances-productions) ## Similar work from other experts - [The Guru-Shishya Parampara in Bharatanatyam](https://mytribe.in/nrithyadeepa/arangetram-rangapravesha-gejjepuje-training/the-guru-shishya-parampara) by Nrithyakuteera · Arangetram / Rangapravesha & Gejjepuje Training · Training available at studios in Chamrajpet and JP Nagar - [My Journey in the Lucknow Gharana Tradition](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/kathak-classes-workshops/in-the-footsteps-of-my-gurus) by Garvita Sharma · Kathak Classes & Workshops · Online classes available; Studio sessions and workshops in Delhi NCR & Mumbai - [The Guru-Shishya Parampara: Authentic Kathak Training](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/kathak-dance-classes/our-guru-shishya-parampara) by Eshani Sathe · Kathak Dance Classes · Online classes available; Travels across Mumbai Metropolitan Area - [Bharatanatyam Student Recitals & Performances by Ambalam Foundation](https://mytribe.in/indirakadambi/bharatanatyam-performance-choreography/the-ambalam-legacy-our-students-on-stage) by Indira Kadambi · Bharatanatyam Performance & Choreography · Based in Jigani, Bengaluru; Travels across India for shows - [The Guru-Shishya Parampara: Our Sacred Bond](https://mytribe.in/sreejayas-school-of-classical-dance/bharatanatyam-classes/the-guru-shishya-parampara-our-sacred-bond) by Sreejaya’s School of Classical Dance · Bharatanatyam Classes · Online classes and 4 locations across Bengaluru - [Awards and National Achievements in Bharatanatyam](https://mytribe.in/abhibhavaartacademy/indian-dance-training/a-legacy-of-excellence-awards-achievements) by Abhibhava Art Academy · Indian Dance Training · Online classes and at 3 studios in Malad West, Mumbai ## Book To book Nirupama Rajendra, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Namaste.%20I%20am%20interested%20in%20joining%20your%20classical%20dance%20classes%20and%20learning%20more%20about%20your%20Guru-Shishya%20training%20approach.)