Table of Contents
When we say that India has always danced on its rhythm, we mean it. From Bharatanatyam and Kathak to the energy of Bollywood and the boldness of Contemporary Dance, our country has witnessed dance in many forms. And even today, we are seeing new talents pushing boundaries with styles and movements. So, we are here to celebrate those legends who have contributed to revolutionising Indian dance with their performance.
10 Famous Dancers in India
Here’s the list of top 10 famous legends, icons, and modern talents:
Iconic Dancer:
1. Vyjayanthimala Bali
Vyjayanthimala Bali is a person who has not only created an impact on dance; she is considered an "era." Vyjayanthimala made Bharatanatyam a part of mainstream Indian cinema, and she was one of the first to change how we perceive dance in cinema. She amazed viewers with her amazing expressions, extraordinary footwork, and unparalleled technique, which have inspired many subsequent generations of dancers.
In addition to her timeless work with films such as Nagin, Amrapali, and Sangam, Vyjayanthimala is still considered one of the top dancers in India, mainly for classical dance.
2. Rukmini Devi
An iconic Indian classical dancer, Rukmini Devi redefined Bharatanatyam and made it globally famous. Her sharp execution, classical training, and commitment to preserving the integrity of Indian culture helped make her one of the most respected women in the world.
Rukmini Devi was one of the top dancers in India to take Bharatanatyam beyond borders.
3. Uday Shankar
When Uday Shankar came on the scene, modern dance did not exist in India.
Combining elements of Indian classical dance with those of Western theatrical performance, he created a new genre of dance that had never before been seen.
His impact is still felt today in the Indian contemporary dance scene as choreographers continue to draw inspiration from his work.
Bollywood Top Dancers
4. Madhuri Dixit
Known as “Dhak Dhak girl”, Madhuri Dixit is a grace. The combination of her Kathak technical skills and the modern Bollywood dance style has led her to be top dancers in India.
Her expressions alone create stories; watching Madhuri Dixit is like experiencing poetry through dance. From Ek Do Teen to Humko Aaj Kal Hai Intezaar to Dola Re Dola, there are many other songs that are not only great hits, but are also part of our cultural heritage.
5. Hrithik Roshan
Hrithik can execute any choreography with either power, speed, sharpness, fluidity, etc., and does it all exceptionally well and seamlessly.
His dance career began with the song, Ek Pal Ka Jeena, which put him on the map. Dhoom Again took him global and Jai Jai Shiv Shankar brought Hrithik back to show how he continues to have a powerful command over the stage even in the most competitive circumstances.
6. Aishwarya Rai
Aishwarya Rai doesn’t just dance, she floats. Her classical foundation and screen presence make her one of the top dancers in India.
Nimbooda Nimbooda showcased a stunning fusion of Rajasthani folk and classical elements, while Barso Re remains iconic for its expressive grace and fluidity. Her elegance and rhythm have inspired countless dancers across generations.
Best Choreographers in India
7. Prabhu Deva
Prabhu Deva is another top dancers in India, who is mainly known for his incredible moves. He is an actor, choreographer and director, and who has achieved extraordinary levels of success in all of these areas. Some of his greatest performances have been in Muqabala, Urvashi, Go Go Govinda, and Que Sera Sera, and they are some of the reasons that his followers love and admire him so much.
Talking about awards, he has National Film Awards, and Padma Shri for his expertise in numerous styles of dance, including hip hop, classical, and many others.
Prabhu Deva is a global dance icon, and for many, he is the best dancer in the world.
8. Terence Lewis
Terence Lewis is the name that transformed contemporary dance in India. His choreography isn’t just visually stunning, it’s emotionally narrative, technically complex, and deeply artistic. He has choreographed for Bollywood, musicals, stage productions, and even Disney India’s Beauty & the Beast.
9. Remo D'Souza
With his unique fashion sense and spirit, Remo D'Souza has played a huge part in forming contemporary dance in India. By directing dance films like FALTU and ABCD and participating in numerous reality shows, Remo has exposed an entirely new generation to styles like hip hop and breaking.
Today, he's considered one of the top dancers in India.
10. Chandralekha
Chandralekha's choreography, which was experimental and contemporary, demolished stereotypes of traditional forms of dance with a philosophical nature. She used Bharatanatyam as her base, to think creatively, to explore contemporary themes of women's issues, identity and body politics as the foundation for her work.
Read the below blog to explore the history of dancers in Southern India!
Famous Classical Dancers of India
India's classical dance is a huge part of its culture, as many performers have used movement to tell stories and preserve traditions through the ages. There are several famous classical dancers of India who have changed how dance is viewed and created:
1. Rukmini Devi Arundale (Bharatanatyam)
As a pioneer of Bharatanatyam, Rukmini Devi revived Bharatanatyam with a new level of grace, purity and dignity that was previously missing.
2. Balasaraswati (Bharatanatyam)
The talent of Balasaraswati has been recognized globally, making her top dancers in India; she was known for her superb abhinaya (expressive movements). Her powerful emotional performances are considered among the best in the history of dance.
3. Kelucharan Mohapatra (Odissi)
Kelucharan Mohapatra, also a dance legend of Odisha, established Odissi as an internationally recognized and famous classical dancers of India through his choreography and teaching methods, as well as the generations of dancers he created.
4. Pandit Birju Maharaj (Kathak)
You may not even need an introduction when you hear the name Birju Maharaj, as he is the classic heart and soul of Kathak. His ability to tell a story and perform with a rhythmic brilliance, and simply being a natural performer, makes him one of the most recognised Classical Dancers of India.
5. Sonal Mansingh (Odissi & Bharatanatyam)
Sonal Mansingh, well known for her overwhelming physical presence on stage, is recognised for her mastery of both Odissi and Bharatanatyam. Her artistic performances are remembered for their elegance and emotional complexity.
Best Dancer in the World – Who Really Has the Title?
The title of best dancer in the world is not something that is easily given but, rather, each individual person has his or her own style, culture, and personal connection to dance. Here’s a snapshot of the best dancers in the world.
Michael Jackson
By far the most renowned of all dancers, Michael Jackson is called the King of Pop and, through his (now famous) moves like the Moonwalk, Robot, and innovative choreography on stage, revolutionized how we perceive dance.
Martha Graham
Martha Graham is a true pioneer of the modern dance genre. Her technique and emotional conveyance of movement have changed the landscape of contemporary dance.
Rudolf Nureyev
Rudolf Nureyev was the top male ballet dancer of the 20th century and shocked audiences everywhere with his power, technique, and captivating performances.
Misty Copeland
Misty Copeland is the very first African-American principal ballerina to perform with the American Ballet Theatre.
Hrithik Roshan & Prabhu Deva (Global Indian Icons)
While the global crown is debated, India contributes strongly to the discussion:
- Hrithik Roshan — globally admired for his precision, smoothness, and style.
- Prabhu Deva — often compared to MJ for his speed, creativity, and unique movement quality.
Ready to Learn Dance? Begin Your Journey with Spardha School of Music
If legendary dancers of India have inspired you, just think how far you can go if you get the right guidance. Whether you want to Dance to Classical Rhythms, Bollywood Grooves or Contemporary Styles, the Spardha School of Music can help to build your Dance Journey.
At Spardha School of Music and Performing Arts, Learning is fun, structured and individualised. Expert faculty and a very positive learning environment all make Spardha the best place to improve your dance skill.
So if you are looking for the best music institution in India, trust Spardha School of Music.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is the No. 1 dancer in India?
There is no single No. 1 dancer, but legends like Prabhu Deva, Madhuri Dixit, Hrithik Roshan, and classical icons such as Birju Maharaj are often considered among the best.
2. Who is the best classical dancer in India?
Pandit Birju Maharaj, Rukmini Devi Arundale, Balasaraswati, and Kelucharan Mohapatra are widely considered some of the top dancers in India.
3. Who is known as the best dancer in the world?
Michael Jackson is often regarded as the best and most influential dancer in the world due to his innovation, technique, and global impact.
4. Which dance form is most popular in India?
Bollywood dance is the most popular nationwide, while classical forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi remain culturally significant.