At the forefront of the
new generation of Bharatanatyam dancers,
"Nadanamamani" Dr. Janaki Rangarajan
represents the future of the ancient art
form. Since the age of 4, Janaki has been
passionate about communicating through
dance. Her unique dance style is a sincere
result of her undying passion,
self-motivation and dedication towards
Bharatanatyam. Her refreshing approach to
Bharatanatyam has won her many accolades and
praise from dance lovers around the world.
Being a firm believer in maintaining the
integrity of tradition, Janaki explores her
creativity without compromising on the
classicism of the dance form.
Janaki's journey in Bharatanatyam commenced
at the age of four under the tutelage of
Smt. Madhavi Chandrasekhar in Trichy,
India. At the age of seven, Janaki
came under the guidance of Dr. Padma
Subrahmanyam in Chennai, India with
whom she studied for the next 15 years. For
more than 25 years, Janaki has been on her
own, showcasing new productions (both
traditional and "avant garde") and creating
a unique voice and style in Bharatanatyam.
Janaki's immaculate and graceful movements
and her subtle yet communicative expressions
have won the admiration of laymen and
connoisseurs alike. Critics around the world
have given her rave reviews and described
Janaki as an
"absolutely brilliant
performer",
"one of the best
today," "stunning" and "exemplary".
The New York Times hailed her performance as
a
"spellbinder."
Janaki's performances have taken her across
the globe. She tours with new choreographic
works and conducts workshops. In addition to
being an accomplished dancer, Janaki is a
gifted dance choreographer. She has received
many accolades of national and international
acclaim which recognize her excellence as a
performer and choreographer.
Janaki is the co-founder of Kalashraya, a
not-for-profit organization dedicated to the
promotion and protection of Indian classical
arts. One of Janaki's passions is
supporting organizations that dedicate
themselves to the protection and education
of children in India.
As a teacher, Janaki devotes time and energy
into developing a new generation of dancers
who are dedicated to Bharatanatyam.
For more information about Janaki's dance
school "Nrityaniketan," please click
here.
Janaki trained in Carnatic (South
Indian) vocal music and Veena (South
Indian string instrument) music under
the tutelage of Smt. Kamala
Viswanathan and has received advanced
vocal training with Sri. D.K.
Nagarajan, younger brother of Smt.
D.K. Pattamal and Sri. D.K. Jayaraman.
Janaki is a member of the Association
of Bharatanatyam Artistes of India
(ABHAI). She is a member of the Indian
Dance Educators Association (IDEA) and
held the office of Secretary for a
term. Janaki was the Chairperson of
the Young Upcoming Artists Forum
(YUAF) and, during her tenure,
spearheaded a successful dance
festival showcasing various classical
Indian dance forms. Janaki has also
been invited to judge dance
competitions.