Lucknow based Bharata Natyam dancer, Ayush Jaiswal, is the recipient of the Rukmini Devi award for his outstanding performance at the National level dance competition, held at Param, Calicut, Kerala, recently.

22 year old Ayush was adjudged the best dancer on the basis of his clarity of movements, vibrancy, precision of the execution of rhythmic patterns and his lucid expressions casted a lasting spell on the judges and the audience The competition was organised by the All India Dancers Association(AIDA), Bharat Natraj International Arts Olympic and Saamaved Kala Association.  All India Dancers Association(AIDA) was established in 2008 with the intention of promoting young talented dancers.

Ayush Jaiswal developed his passion for dancing at an early age and has been greatly inspired by some of the best classical dancers of the country. He believes in Health is Wealth and regularly does a lot of exercises to remain fit and healthy.

Ayush says,"Health and Discipline are two most important factors of life which are very important for a successful life. When I used to watch some of the wonderful professional dancers I used to wonder as to how they maintain a professional quality in their performance and started working accordingly, today am glad I am quite successful due to determination and consistent hardwork which ultimately does pay off".

Some of the most prestigious awards and accolades won by the young and dynamic dancer are Navodit Kalakaar award from Chattisgarh, Nrityojaswi award from Bangalore, Nritya Samrata award from Uttar Pradesh, Sarvashrestha Nrityakaar award. from Mumbai, Natyacharya award from Nagpur, Kanchankoshi Pasupati award from Kathmandu, Nepal and the latest Rkmni Devi award.

In the competition there were only a few male dancers and several female dancers and it is amazing as to how Ayush emerged as the best dancer which proves the point that classical dances are meant not only for females but males also, hence there are fine male classical dancers too. Ayush is quite optimistic about his career as a male classical dancer as he is determined to do well in life.

By Guru Vijay Shankar