Jaishree Rao

🪔 About

Jaishree Rao is a dedicated Bharatanatyam dancer based in Mumbai, India, whose journey in Indian classical dance has been deeply intertwined with the legacy of her guru, the multi-faceted personality Rajee Narayan. Having already completed her graduation in Bharatanatyam and her Arangetram, Jaishree Rao sought further exploration into the dance form in the 1970s and found her mentor in Guru Rajee Narayan. Under "Aunty's" guidance, Jaishree Rao not only continued her training but also became an indispensable assistant in various aspects of her guru's extensive work. Her contributions included the meticulous planning and execution of numerous dance events and the painstaking process of publishing Guru Rajee Narayan's compositions. She was entrusted with preparing the text matter for books like "Nritya Geeta Mala" volumes 1 & 2, and "Rural Rhythms," a collection aimed at popularizing South Indian folk dances. This involved the laborious "cutting-pasting" of type-set text by hand in an era before computers and the internet. Beyond administrative and publishing roles, Jaishree Rao was actively involved in the pedagogical aspects of Guru Rajee Narayan's institution. She assisted in running the dance classes, teaching both beginners and senior students, and helped organize and conduct folk dance workshops, including the Kolaatta Jothrai festivals held across various cities. Her personal dedication to dance continued, as evidenced by her performance of a short, beautiful 5-minute composition on Bhagawan Shiva at the Natyanjali Festival during Mahasivaratri in 2020, an item she learned from her guru that same year. Jaishree Rao's life with Guru Rajee Narayan was marked by constant activity, from creative endeavors to the practicalities of running a dance institution, reflecting her profound commitment to preserving and promoting Indian classical dance.