K.G. Ellapa Mudaliar

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K.G. Ellapa Mudaliar, also known as Kancheepuram Ellappa Mudaliar or Ellappa Pillai, was a revered figure and Bharatha Shastra Ratna in Indian classical dance, particularly Bharatanatyam. He is celebrated for propagating a unique Kancheepuram style of Bharatanatyam, a tradition that emphasized the precision of basic stances, rhythmic tempo, and the subtleties of abhinaya. His early training began at the age of five, where he studied music under his grandfather, the renowned vocalist Parasuram Mudaliar. At nine, he commenced his dance and nattuvangam studies under his maternal uncle, Tiruvengada Mudaliar, a descendant of the esteemed Ashwadhati Pacchamuthu Mudaliar. Ellappa Mudaliar further honed his craft by studying abhinaya with Chinnayya Naidu and by joining the troupe of Kandappa, a descendant of the famous Tanjore Quartet, from whom he imbibed the Kandappan style of the Tanjore School. By the age of seventeen, he was already conducting dance recitals. A dedicated teacher, he insisted that his students possess a strong understanding of Tamil and the lyrics of the songs they performed, and that they utter jathis with proper intonation and stress. His profound legacy is continued through his many disciples, including the Bharatanatyam legend Guru Udupi Laxminarayan, who, through his institution Natya Manjari, ensured the perpetuation of Ellappa Mudaliar's distinctive Kancheepuram style. Other notable students include the French classical Bharatanatyam dancers Christine Klein (Malavika) and Devayani, and Shri. MD Venkatesh. Ellappa Mudaliar passed away at an unspecified time, but his contributions to Bharatanatyam continue to be honored and studied. Awards & Honours: Bharatha Shastra Ratna.