Balagurunathan V

🪔 About

V. Balagurunathan is a distinguished Bharatanatyam exponent, teacher, and Nattuvanar, hailing from a family of Sivacharyas in Karaikal. His extensive training includes a postgraduate degree from Kalakshetra Foundation and a master's degree from Madras University, with ongoing Ph.D. studies at Tamil Nadu Music and Fine Arts University. He received early dance instruction from guru Krishnammal and later honed his artistry under the tutelage of his mother-in-law and guru, Krishnaveni Lakshmanan. As an 'A' grade artiste of Doordarshan Kendra, Chennai, Balagurunathan is a regular performer at major sabhas across Chennai. His international career includes extensive tours to countries such as Malaysia, Canada, Thailand, Nepal, Mauritius, Japan, and South Africa. He notably presented “Damayanti Swayamvaram” at the Cleveland Thyagaraja festival in both 2010 and 2012. Balagurunathan's teaching career is equally significant. He served as a senior teacher at the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society (SIFAS) for approximately nine years, where he staged numerous thematic dance performances and conducted 15 arangetrams. During his time in Singapore, he represented the nation as a principal Indian classical dancer, performing for Asian prime ministers and former US president Barack Obama in 2009. Prior to this, he trained several students and staged arangetrams at Darpana Academy of Mrinalini Sarabhai, even performing for former US president Bill Clinton in 2000. He is the founder of Krishnanjali Academy, operating under the Krishnanjali Trust, which is dedicated to promoting Bharatanatyam by offering free classes to underprivileged children and supporting their participation in Academy Day celebrations. The academy has successfully staged over 30 arangetrams globally. Balagurunathan is also associated with Natyarangam's Jana Bharatam, delivering lecture demonstrations in Corporation schools. He has choreographed significant productions, including 'Vizhi Chudare,' based on Bharatiyar's poetry, focusing on women's empowerment. His legacy extends through his family, with his wife, Gayatri Balagurunathan, and daughters, Mayura B and Hamsa B, also prominent dancers. Awards & Honours: Nrithya Kala Nipuna, Sathya Narthaka Sundaram, Acharya Kala Vipanchee, Obul Reddy senior dancer award from Narada Gana Sabha, Kalaimamani.