Smt. Meena Rajagopal
Meena Rajagopal is the prime disciple of Guru Alarmel Valli,
the foremost exponent of the Pandanallur style of Bharatnatyam. Internationally
renowned, Guru Alarmel Valli is the recipient of prestigious Indian national
awards Padmashree, and Padmabhushan. In her unique teaching style, Meena
emphasizes dedication and inherent desire to learn this complex and aesthetic
art form.
Meena was conferred the title Natya Thendral (dancing breeze) on her Arangetram by the pre-eminent Tamil poetess Soundara Kailasam.An excerpt of the kudos bestowed on Meena by her guru…
"I have known Meena Rajagopal since 1984 in the capacity of her Bharatnatyam teacher. She was introduced to the Pandanallur style of Bharatnatyam in 1984 and has exhibited an extraordinary talent in this art. Meena quickly rose to be my best and senior-most student in a very short time. As a teacher I have found Meena to be extremely competent and patient. She aims for perfection and strives to bring out the very best in every student. An attractive personality and her ability to communicate easily enhance her capacities both as a dancer and a teacher. I can state with confidence that Meena is capable of reaching great heights not only as a performing artist but also as a teacher"
Representative newspaper quotes …
“Meenakshi has been taught very well, as was evident from the chiseled adavus that she executed, and the adroit footwork that she negotiated. Some of them were sculpturesque and the ease with which she did them showed her mastery over the idiom.” - written by Sri Subbudu (renowned Art Critic), Indian Express (National Newspaper in India)
“Full of grace and promise, the recital was proof of a solid foundation on the grammar and idiom of Bharatnatyam, a feature which both Alarmel Valli as an arduous teacher and Meenakshi as a dedicated learner could be proud of. Crisply correct in adavus and rhythm, the dancer never faltered in the jathis. Her perfect leg and hand stretches are a delight to watch.” - The Hindu. (premier newspaper in Southern India)
Meena Rajagopal's students have performed with a high-degree of proficiency in local events and functions to the delight of audiences, and have also worked with accomplished visiting artistes from India. In recognition of her cultural services Meena was conferred the "Outstanding Teacher" award by Heritage India in 2007, and also received a congratulatory letter from the Governor of North Carolina.
Meena was conferred the title Natya Thendral (dancing breeze) on her Arangetram by the pre-eminent Tamil poetess Soundara Kailasam.An excerpt of the kudos bestowed on Meena by her guru…
"I have known Meena Rajagopal since 1984 in the capacity of her Bharatnatyam teacher. She was introduced to the Pandanallur style of Bharatnatyam in 1984 and has exhibited an extraordinary talent in this art. Meena quickly rose to be my best and senior-most student in a very short time. As a teacher I have found Meena to be extremely competent and patient. She aims for perfection and strives to bring out the very best in every student. An attractive personality and her ability to communicate easily enhance her capacities both as a dancer and a teacher. I can state with confidence that Meena is capable of reaching great heights not only as a performing artist but also as a teacher"
Representative newspaper quotes …
“Meenakshi has been taught very well, as was evident from the chiseled adavus that she executed, and the adroit footwork that she negotiated. Some of them were sculpturesque and the ease with which she did them showed her mastery over the idiom.” - written by Sri Subbudu (renowned Art Critic), Indian Express (National Newspaper in India)
“Full of grace and promise, the recital was proof of a solid foundation on the grammar and idiom of Bharatnatyam, a feature which both Alarmel Valli as an arduous teacher and Meenakshi as a dedicated learner could be proud of. Crisply correct in adavus and rhythm, the dancer never faltered in the jathis. Her perfect leg and hand stretches are a delight to watch.” - The Hindu. (premier newspaper in Southern India)
Meena Rajagopal's students have performed with a high-degree of proficiency in local events and functions to the delight of audiences, and have also worked with accomplished visiting artistes from India. In recognition of her cultural services Meena was conferred the "Outstanding Teacher" award by Heritage India in 2007, and also received a congratulatory letter from the Governor of North Carolina.
