DR. MAYA RAO AWARD
Dr. Maya Rao Award for Innovative Excellence in Choreography in the field of Kathak in Honour of the late Dr. Maya Rao and her definitive and trail blazing contribution to Choreography and Kathak Dance.
Dr. Maya Rao (2 May 1928 – 1 September 2014)
Internationally reputed dancer choreographer, Guru Dr. Maya Rao was a pioneer in the world of Kathak and choreography. She is the only Indian with a Post Graduate certificate in Choreography from the USSR and the recipient of several awards including the National Award (President of India )award for Choreography from the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the Karnataka State Award, the prestigious Shantala Award from the Govt. of Karnataka, the Emeritus Fellowshipfrom the H.R.D. Govt. of India and an honorary doctorate by the Bangalore university. Smt Maya Rao was trained in Kathak under Padmasri Sri. Shambu Maharaj of the Lucknow Gharana and Sri Sunderprasad of the Jaipur Gharana.
2015
RECIPIENT
Toronto based Kathak Artist & Choreographer, Joanna Desouza received the 2015 Dr. Maya Rao Award for Choreography for her outstanding contribution to pushing the boundaries through her choreography over her career.
Nominations for the 2017 Dr. Maya Rao Award are now open. Send nominations along with a 150 word description of your nominee. Email to seminarinkathak@gmail.com