"SURYA N RAO" - Nritya Shiromani To "Pattanaje" Lead Role

A befitting physical frame, dexterous footwork, mercurial mobility and expressions that tug at the corners of the heart is what sets Surya apart from the galaxy of dancers. He is known to be an inexhaustible package of all that is expected of a performing artist, who can hold the attention of art connoisseurs. He boldly stepped into the dance arena with rigorous training in the Bharatanatyam by Guru Chandrashekar Navada. In his sojourn he is also trained in Kuchipudi by Guru Smt. Veena Murthy Vijay, in Kathak by Guru Dr. Maya Rao, in Contemporary by Madhu Nataraj. His has further acquired skills in the Indian martial art forms of Kalaripayattu and Thang-tha and folk-ritual-traditional dance forms and Yakshagana which have added to his flexibility and adaptability to the rich Indian dance heritage.

    Surya has obtained a bachelors degree in Choreography along with which he has successfully qualified Vidhwath in Bharatanatyam. Received an Honorary Doctorate in Indian Classical Dance from the DUKE University North Carolina USA. A graded artist of the Doordarshan, the Indian National Television channel. Suryas knowledge of Natuvangam and Indian classical music has embellished his artistry.

His performance and choreographic works
Surya believes in spreading awareness and appreciation of the art form that he is so passionate about. It is this very desire that drives him to choreograph for schools and colleges. He has also often played the part of event manager & technical director which has made him a complete artist. With wife Prathama Prasad Rao he runs MAHAMAYA ARTS FOUNDATION In Bangalore.

Acted in Aptarakshaka a Kannada feature film and Nagavalli a Telugu Supper hit. And a few Kannada serials and telefilms.

Recipient of NRITYA SHIROMANI AWARD at Cuttack international dance festival. Recipient of NATIONAL EXCELENCE AWARD from the Govt. of Orissa at the SHANTI Festival Bhubaneswar. Recipient of YUVA KALASHRESTA Award and title form BCKA Bengaluru.

Abhinaya Nritya Chatura,   Nritya Shiromani,   Nritya nipuna, Nritya Kala Praveena are few of his titles.




are highly appreciated by art critics and the media. Today, he has to his credit more than 1000 performances in major dance festivals of India and on prestigious platforms of Europe, the Middle East, United States of America, Singapore, United Kingdom and many more.