I watched in awe
When I first saw you teach dance.
Adavu sparkled. Nrityam glowed.
Every fibre of my being was on fire.
Ecstasy in pure dance.
Natyam that held me captive.
Creation woven together painstakingly spontaneous.
A moment in time when everything froze Rhythmically.
I cannot forget the lyrics of your songs. That's my life.
I cannot forget the steps you taught me. They fill my treasure chest.
I cannot forget your voice. It haunts me.
I live forever with you. In you.
My inspiration.

Jaishree Rao, senior disciple of Guru Rajee, received her initial training in Bharatanatyam from Smt. Vyjayanthimala Bali, under whom she performed her Arangetram in 1976. As a senior dancer of Smt. Bali's dance troupe of Natyalaya, she travelled extensively all over India, giving many performances in Bharatanatyam and in dance dramas and Kuravanji Natya Natakams. She has performed lead roles in dance ballets like Sangha Tamizh Malai, Azhagar Kuravanji, Chandalika and Sant Sakhu.

From Guru Rajee, Jaishree has learnt not only Bharatanatyam, but also Nattuvangam, Natya Shastra and Carnatic music. She has performed for sabhas and temple organisations all over India. In Mumbai, she has performed for the National Centre for the Performing Arts, The Shanmukhananda Fine Arts and Sangeetha Sabha, Mulund Fine Arts Society, Rasika Ranjani Sabha, The Asthika Samaj and others. She has performed lead roles in Nritya Geethanjali dance ballets and has participated in many of their group presentations. She is a B-grade artiste with Doordarshan, Mumbai and has been telecast a number of times.

Jaishree conducts dance classes in Mumbai.