Madhuri Dixit is synonymous with dance in Bollywood, but her foundation is pure Kathak. She trained for years before entering films, and her style reflects the grace, intricate footwork, and expressive storytelling characteristic of the Jaipur and Lucknow gharanas. Her ability to tell a story through her eyes—a key component of Kathak—set her apart from her peers.

She was a disciple of the legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj, who not only taught her but also choreographed iconic numbers for her in films like Devdas. She revered him as both a guru and a friend, often stating that he taught her the "soul" of dance rather than just the steps.

Madhuri’s practice (riyaaz) has been a lifelong commitment. Even during her years away from the limelight, she never stopped dancing. She launched "Dance with Madhuri," an online academy to make dance accessible to everyone. Her Kathak training is evident even in her most commercial Bollywood numbers, providing a layer of sophistication and superior grace that has made her a perennial favorite.

A superstar of the 80s and 90s with hits like Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! and Dil Toh Pagal Hai, she continues to act and judge dance shows. She is married to Dr. Shriram Nene and has two sons, Arin and Ryan. Madhuri balances her family life in Mumbai with her continuous efforts to digitize and preserve the heritage of Indian dance for global audiences.