Maya to Matter

(internationally reputed choreographer, Kathak exponent, dance curator)

GURU DR. MAYA RAO

Internationally reputed dancer, choreographer, Guru , writer, & dance academician /curator,Dr Maya Rao is the only Indian with a Post Graduate certificate in Choreography from the USSR. She is the recipient of several awards including the National Award (President of India Award) for Choreography from the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the Karnataka State Award, the prestigious Shantala Award for the Govt. of Karnataka, the Emeritus Fellowship from the H.R.D. Govt. of India and an honorary doctorate from Bangalore University.

She has led cultural delegations to over 30 countries,creating an awareness and sharing the rich dance heritage of India worldwide.

Dr. Maya Rao has been invited to Europe, U.S.A, U.S.S.R, on many occasions as a consultant choreographer and as a Jury member for international projects. She trained in Kathak under Padmasri Shri. Shambu Maharaj of the Lucknow Gharana and Shri Sunderprasad of the Jaipur Gharana. Her solo recitals and dance dramas imbibed both styles winning much acclaim in India and Overseas.

She runs India’s only degree college of choreography – The Natya Institute of Kathak and Choreography. Maya didi,as she is fondly called ,has trained over 3000 students in a lifetime offered to her passion and mission- Dance.

Maya Rao was made Chairperson of the Karnataka State Sangeet Nritya Academy (1987 – 1990.) during which period she initiated National Performing Arts Festivals at Heritage Monuments – Somanathapura (1988), Pattadakkal (1989) and Halebid (1990).

• • Poetry of Kathak

• • Bhaav Batana

• • Kathak as a springboard for choereography

• • Choreographic aspects of Natyashastra

• • Evolution of Movement