Janak Khendry

🪔 About

Janak Khendry, an internationally renowned classical dancer, choreographer, and sculptor, was born in Amritsar, Punjab, North India, in 1938. He began his dance journey at the age of five, with his forward-thinking parents supporting his artistic pursuits alongside his academic studies. Khendry received extensive training in four distinct Indian classical dance styles: Bharatanatyam, under the tutelage of Swami Muttukumar Pillai in a South Indian village, Kathak, Sattriya, and Manipuri. His diverse training also included Western modern dance, specifically Graham, Limon, and Cunningham techniques, which he studied as part of his Master's degree program. Academically, Khendry earned a B.A. in English and Art History, followed by a second B.A. in metal sculpture. He moved to the United States in 1961, where he pursued and completed a Master's degree in sculpture from Ohio State University, Columbus. He spent 16 years in New York City, performing Indian classical dance and serving as the gallery director of the New York Sculpture Centre. In 1978, he founded the Janak Khendry Dance Company in New York, which was subsequently registered in Canada in 1981. Khendry relocated to Toronto, Canada, in 1979, becoming a Canadian citizen. In Toronto, he established The Glass Art Gallery, the first of its kind in Canada specializing in glass sculpture, which was a fixture in Yorkville for 22 years. His choreographic career commenced in 1961 in Hyderabad, India, and he went on to perform globally, including five command performances for two past Presidents of India. As the artistic director of the Janak Khendry Dance Company, he was celebrated for his innovative approach to classical Indian dance, seamlessly blending traditional forms with contemporary themes and delving into spiritual and philosophical narratives. His works, often epic in scope, were known for their sumptuous beauty and deep philosophical inquiry, for which he also designed the costumes. Khendry's commitment to education and cultural exchange was evident in his collaborations with artists and institutions worldwide. His sculptures have been exhibited and are held in private collections across India, the United States, Canada, and Europe. He was also recognized as a writer and a connoisseur of Indian textile and visual arts. Janak Khendry passed away on April 10, 2025, in India, leaving behind a significant legacy in the performing arts. Awards & Honours: Nizam's Grant, Sangeet Natak Akademi award, Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council, Laidlaw Foundation (Ministry of Culture, Citizenship and Recreation), Canada Council for the Arts awards, Excellence in Arts Award by CCAI.