Jayashree Narayanan

🪔 About

Jayashree Narayanan is a distinguished Bharatanatyam guru and pioneer, recognized for her significant contributions to Indian classical dance, particularly in Puducherry. She received her comprehensive training at the Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai, where she was a student and performing artist for eleven years, from 1960 to 1971, graduating with distinction. During her time at Kalakshetra, she also performed in various dance dramas, taking on lead roles such as Shakunthala, Seetha, Surpanaka, and Kaikaeyi. In 1971, Jayashree Narayanan founded her own dance institution, Salangai Cultural Academy, in Puducherry, where she has been teaching Bharatanatyam since the 1970s. Her teaching legacy extends globally, with many of her students establishing themselves in East Asia, Europe, and North America. Beyond her academy, she served as the Principal in-charge and Head of the Dance Department at Brathaiyar Palkalai Koodam in Pondicherry from 1988 to 2005. Narayanan has also played a crucial role in dance education and curriculum development, serving as an external examiner at prestigious institutions like Kalakshetra Foundations, Bharathidasan University, Bangalore University, and the Singapore Fine Arts Society. She is a member of the Board of Studies at Madras University and Bangalore University and was instrumental in formulating the syllabus for the C.C.T.R. junior level scholarship. A prolific choreographer, she has created and produced several dance dramas, including "Vanamahotsavam" (1994), "Kudumba Vilakku" (1996), "Droupadi" (2011), and "Bangari Singari" (2011). She has also composed numerous Alarippus, Varnams, Padams, and Thillanas. Her expertise extends to vocal singing and Kathakali, a Kerala theatre art form. She has co-authored a book titled "Folk arts of Tamil Nadu," focusing on the folk dances of the region, and contributes articles to the magazine "Barani." Awards & Honours: Tharun Katakar Award (1971), Best Bharathnatyam guru (1995), Outstanding Young Person (1995), Isai Gnana Chudar (1995), Puduvai Kalaimamani (1997), Natya Shirormani (2003), Grand Master (2024), NATYA KALA SADHAKA (2026).