K.P.K. Chandrasekharan

🪔 About

K.P.K. Chandrasekaran is a distinguished figure in the realm of Indian classical dance, specifically Bharatanatyam, and an eighth-generation scion of the illustrious Thanjavur Quartet tradition. His lineage traces back to the legendary Kittappa Pillai, a name synonymous with classical dance, who meticulously preserved and propagated the compositions of his ancestors, the Thanjavur Quartet. These compositions remain a cornerstone for Bharatanatyam artists to this day. K.P.K. Chandrasekaran actively upholds this profound legacy, dedicating himself to teaching Bharatanatyam for over fifteen years, as noted in a 2015 report. He serves as a dedicated instructor at the Government Music School in Tiruvarur, imparting the intricate nuances of this classical art form. Additionally, he conducts weekend classes at the Kittappa Natyalaya in Thanjavur, further extending his reach within the traditional heartland of Bharatanatyam. His commitment to education also includes teaching at the Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal Golden Jubilee Higher Secondary School, where he holds classes two weekends each month since 1993. Beyond his regular teaching engagements, Chandrasekaran is actively involved in conducting workshops. Every May, he travels to Bengaluru to lead sessions at the Ponniah Lalita Kala Academy, run by Padmini Rao, and the Kalasindhu Arts Academy, led by Poornima Gururaj. Both Padmini Rao and Poornima Gururaj are noted students of his father, Kittappa Pillai, indicating a continuous thread of artistic mentorship. His teaching philosophy emphasizes tailoring instruction to each student's individual capacity. His disciples include those who pursue performing careers on stage, as well as those who become teachers themselves in various cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Nagapattinam. His influence extends internationally, with students such as Easwara Muthukumar from Malaysia, who has been learning from him since 2001 and visits annually for intensive training, and Sandra Jasmine from Germany, who attends his classes biennially. Through his unwavering dedication, K.P.K. Chandrasekaran ensures the enduring vitality and global reach of the Thanjavur Bharatanatyam tradition.