Kamakshi Maami

🪔 About

Kamakshi Jayaraman, fondly known as 'Kamakshi Maami' or 'Mami', is a highly respected figure in Indian classical dance, particularly Bharatanatyam. She is recognized as one of the foremost disciples of the legendary Bharatanatyam guru Vazhuvoor Ramayya Pillai. Kamakshi Jayaraman began her dance training at the tender age of five, during a period when pursuing dance still carried a social stigma. She was fortunate to have a family that encouraged her comprehensive learning in fine arts. Beyond dance, she also pursued and learned veena and music from Madras University, which allowed her to approach the art form holistically. Her arangetram took place in the renowned Rasika Ranjani Sabha in Chennai, just days before India gained independence. Following this, she was awarded a coveted Government of India scholarship. Kamakshi Jayaraman formally commenced her teaching career in classical dance at Vidhyodaya Academy in Chennai. Her dedication to her guru, Vazhuvoor Ramayya Pillai, was profound, with her master once comparing her devotion to that of Ekalavya. She later became one of the deans of The Temple of Fine Arts International, an institution she joined in Singapore in 1984 and later moved to Coimbatore in 1996. Her career spans over 50 years, encompassing dance, music, choreography, and teaching. She is known for adhering to the Vazhuvoor bani (style) while also evolving beyond its strictures in her original choreographic works. Students from various parts of the world continue to seek her guidance, a testament to her enduring teaching legacy.