Leela Samson

🪔 About

Leela Samson, born on May 6, 1951, in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, India, is a distinguished Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, instructor, writer, and actress. Her foundational training in Bharatanatyam began at the age of nine at the renowned Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai, where she studied under its founder, Rukmini Devi Arundale, from 1961 to 1967 and again from 1969 to 1975. Samson is celebrated for her technical virtuosity as a soloist and her ability to blend geometrical precision with vibrancy and ease in her performances. Her teaching career commenced around 1975, with long tenures at Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra and Gandharva Mahavidyalaya in Delhi, where she imparted the Kalakshetra tradition. In 1995, Samson founded the Spanda Dance Company in Delhi, a group dedicated to exploring innovative group choreography while remaining rooted in Bharatanatyam traditions. Spanda has performed extensively across India and internationally. Beyond her artistic contributions, Samson has held significant administrative roles. She served as the Director of the Kalakshetra Foundation from April 2005 to 2012. She was also appointed Chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's national academy for music, dance, and drama, from August 2010 to October 2014. Additionally, she chaired the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) from April 2011 to January 2015. Samson is also an accomplished writer, having authored books such as 'Rhythm in Joy' and a biography of Rukmini Devi Arundale. She has also ventured into acting, appearing in films like 'OK Kanmani' (2015), 'Adithya Varma' (2019), and 'Sillu Karupatti' (2019). Awards & Honours: Sanskriti Award (1982), Padma Shri (1990), Nritya Choodamani (1997), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1999), Kalaimamani (2005).