Dr. Janaki

🪔 About

Dr. Janaki Rangarajan is a critically acclaimed Bharatanatyam exponent, recognized as a leading figure among the new generation of dancers in the ancient art form. Her journey in Bharatanatyam began at the age of four under Smt. Madhavi Chandrasekhar in Trichy, India. At seven, she moved to Chennai and continued her training for 15 to 17 years under the legendary Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam at Nrithyodaya. By the age of 13, Dr. Subrahmanyam promoted Janaki to a student-teacher position, where she taught numerous students under her guru's guidance. Academically brilliant, Dr. Rangarajan also earned a PhD in Molecular Genetics from the United States. In 2004, she made the pivotal decision to dedicate herself full-time to Bharatanatyam, transitioning from her scientific career. She is celebrated for her unique style, which maintains the integrity of tradition while exploring creativity, characterized by immaculate and graceful movements and subtle yet communicative expressions. The New York Times has lauded her performances as "spellbinding". Dr. Rangarajan is an accomplished performer, choreographer, and teacher, having toured globally and conducted workshops. She has independently taught Bharatanatyam for nearly 40 years, with students across India, the USA, Europe, South America, Australia, and Malaysia. She founded her dance school, Nrityaniketan, in Virginia, USA. Additionally, she is the co-founder of Kalashraya, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting Indian classical arts. She is also trained in Carnatic vocal and Veena music. Awards & Honours: Nadanamamani – Shriram Award of Excellence, NCA Excellence Award, Nrithya Shiromani, MetroDC Dance Awards Nominee – Outstanding Individual Performance (Finalist) (2010), MetroDC Dance Awards Nominee – Emerging Choreographer (Finalist) (2010), MetroDC Dance Awards – Emerging Performer (Winner) (2012), MetroDC Dance Awards – Outstanding Individual Performance (Finalist) (2012), MetroDC Dance Awards – Emerging Choreographer (Finalist) (2012), Kala Rathna, Yagnaraman Award of Excellence, Vasanthalakshmi-Narasimhachari Award, Rohini Krishnan Endowment Prize (Guru KJ Sarasa Memorial Award), Sathya Nrithya Sundaram, Singar Mani, Outstanding Contribution to Dance Award.