Narendra G

🪔 About

Born in Mysore, G. Narendra Rao began his Bharatanatyam training at the young age of eight or nine. After training under several teachers, he joined Kalakshetra, where he further honed his skills and was inspired by gurus like Prof. Janardhanan and Krishnaveni Lakshmanan. He is an alumnus of Kalakshetra. Early in his career, he was chosen by Yamini Krishnamurthy as her dance partner and nattuvangam artist. Narendra faced challenges as a male Bharatanatyam dancer, noting a lack of opportunities for solo performances compared to group productions. Despite this, he remained dedicated to his art, practicing daily in his studio. In 1995, he founded the Avigna Dance Ensemble (also referred to as Avigna Dance Company). Through Avigna, he has choreographed and directed numerous dance productions, including "The Living Tree," "Silappadikaram," "Kanya," "Woman Divine," "Abyasa," and "Moods and Movements," which have been performed both in India and internationally in places like the US, UK, Rome, and Muscat. He was also the Artistic Director and a resident teacher for the Cleveland Cultural Alliance, USA. A resident of CIT Colony in Chennai, Narendra is a respected teacher, conducting classes at a dance school off Bazaar Road and at his own space. He emphasizes to his students the importance of balancing their careers with their artistic pursuits, and annually performs with them at the Karuneeshwarar Temple in Mylapore. Known for his perfect technique, strong yet sensitive dancing, and radiant stage personality, Narendra is recognized as one of the most prominent Bharatanatyam exponents in India and abroad. He is married to Bharatanatyam artiste Vidu. Deepa, with whom he co-founded Avigna. He also explored acting as a means of artistic reinvention. Awards & Honours: Narthaka Nipuna (ABHAI) (2020), Nritya Kalanidhi (The Music Academy) (2026), Nritya Choodamani (Sri Krishna Gana Sabha) (2025), Nartaka Award (Natyanjali Trust) (2019), Best Dancer of the year (Music Academy) (2023), Bharatakalanjali Acharya award (2011), Natyasevaka (2018), Mayura Nrityasagaram (2019), Nartaka Prashasti, Madhura Kalamani.