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❖ Guru Parampara ❖
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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…
Journey Timeline
1953
Began dance training — Started at Arts and Artists, Patna, India, with Guru Bala Krishnan.
1957
Began advanced training with Gurus U.S. Krishna Rao and U.K. Chandrabhaga Devi — Studied Pandanallur style Bharatanatyam on scholarship.
1969
Accident in Canada — Suffered a permanent injury, ending her performing career.
1979
Began teaching Bharatanatyam in Montreal
1981
Founded Kala Bharati Dance School — Opened in Montreal in July.
1982
Organized a three-day symposium on Indian classical dance — In collaboration with the dance department of the University of Quebec at Montreal; Gurus U.S. Krishna Rao and U.K. Chandrabhaga Devi participated.
1985
Gurus U.S. Krishna Rao and U.K. Chandrabhaga Devi visited Montreal — Conducted special classes for senior students of Kala Bharati.
1986
Formed La Troupe Kala Bharati — Comprised of dancers trained at her school.
1988
Presented paper at Dance and the Child International Conference — Held in London, U.K.
1992
Honored by Gurus U.S. Krishna Rao and U.K. Chandrabhaga Devi — Received an award at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of their institution, Maha Maya, as one of sixteen gurus.
1993
Gurus sent granddaughter Anjali Jayadev to study at Kala Bharati — Anjali Jayadev studied choreography and technique.
1997
Mentioned in 'Bharatanatyam' by Marg Publications — Included in the 'Guru Parampara' section.
1997
Retired from academic career — Professor of English at Collège Maisonneuve and McGill University.
1998
Choreographies telecast on Indian Television (Doordarshan) — Part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of Indian Independence.
1999
Guru U.S. Krishna Rao decided to transfer life-long work for archival to her
2003
Director of Summer Residency Bharata Natya Teacher Training Programme — At Kala Bharati, funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage.
2009
Published book 'Shishu Sadhana' and accompanying DVD — A child-friendly Bharatanatyam repertoire.
2016
Received Medal of Honor by the National Assembly of Quebec — Awarded in March for 'perseverance in sharing our cultures'.
2024
Passed away — On July 6th.
Photo Gallery
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Video Library
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Signature Performances
Signature repertoire pieces will be showcased here.
Performance Map
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Awards & Honors
- 1992 · Award by Gurus U.S. Krishna Rao and U.K. Chandrabhaga Devi — Maha Maya (their institution)
- 1997 · Mention in Guru Parampara section of 'Bharatanatyam' — Marg Publications, Bombay
- 2016 · Medal of Honor — National Assembly of Quebec
Media Coverage
- Telecast of choreographies for 50th anniversary of Indian Independence
Indian Television (Doordarshan)
Students
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