Mamata Niyogi-Nakra

🪔 About

Dr. Mamata Niyogi-Nakra was a distinguished figure in Indian classical dance, particularly Bharatanatyam, and a pioneer in propagating the art form in Canada. Her dance journey began in 1953 in Patna, India, under Guru Bala Krishnan, a disciple of Guru U.S. Krishna Rao. She pursued advanced training in Bharatanatyam on scholarship with Guru U.S. Krishna Rao and his wife Guru U.K. Chandrabhaga Devi, renowned exponents of the Pandanallur style, maintaining a loyal association with them since 1957. Mamata performed extensively in India, the U.K., and Europe. However, an accident in Canada in 1969 caused a permanent injury, ending her performing career. After a period of focusing on her doctoral studies, she resumed her passion for dance by establishing the Kala Bharati Dance School in Montreal in July 1981, beginning her teaching career in 1979. She founded La Troupe Kala Bharati in 1986, comprising dancers trained at her school, who performed in Canada and internationally. Mamata Niyogi-Nakra was also a prolific choreographer, creating numerous innovative group choreographies and a unique child-friendly Bharatanatyam repertoire called "Shishu Sadhana." Her contributions were recognized by her gurus, who honored her as one of sixteen gurus of Indian classical dance in 1992. She was also mentioned in the "Guru Parampara" section of the book "Bharatanatyam" by Marg Publications in 1997. In March 2016, she received the Medal of Honor from the National Assembly of Quebec for her "perseverance in sharing our cultures." Dr. Niyogi-Nakra passed away on July 6, 2024. Awards & Honours: Award by Gurus U.S. Krishna Rao and U.K. Chandrabhaga Devi (1992), Mention in Guru Parampara section of 'Bharatanatyam' (1997), Medal of Honor (2016).