Roja Kannan

🪔 About

Roja Kannan is a distinguished Indian dancer specializing in the classical dance form of Bharatanatyam, recognized as one of its most outstanding exponents from Chennai, India. Her illustrious career spans over five decades. Born into a family steeped in Carnatic musical tradition, she is a descendant of the renowned musician Palghat Rama Bhagavathar. Kannan began her formal Bharatanatyam training at a very early age under Padma Bhushan Dr. Vyjayanthimala Bali at her institution "NATYALAYA" in Chennai. Following the closure of Bali's school, she continued her training under Kavi Aravindakshan and subsequently under the legendary Gurus Padmashri Adyar K. Lakshman and Padma Bhushan Smt. Kalanidhi Narayanan. She performed her arangetram in 1972 at the age of 12. After her marriage, Kannan took a 13-year hiatus from performing. She resumed performing in the 1990s and began teaching after the birth of her children. In 1987, she founded Bharatha Natyalaya Academy of Music & Dance in Chennai, an institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the classical tradition of Bharatanatyam through rigorous training. The academy has since nurtured hundreds of students, many of whom have become accomplished performers and teachers. Kannan has performed and conducted lecture demonstrations extensively across India and internationally, including at the Jacob's Pillow International Festival of Dance in 2004 and the Global Rhythms Festival in 2006. She has also served as the General Secretary of ABHAI (Association of Bharatanatyam Artistes of India) for eight years and is currently its President. Additionally, she is the Academic In-Charge of the Kalpakkam Dance School and the Akhil Diksha Foundation, and an Examiner for the CCRT Scholarship Examinations by the Ministry of Culture. Awards & Honours: Kalaimamani (2017), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2025), Acharya Choodamani, Kala Acharya Sironmani, Natya Ilavarasi, Kala Seva Bharathi, Woman of Excellence Award, Kartik Award of Excellence, Best Senior Dancer Award from The Music Academy (2012), Nrithya Kala Shikhamani, Lifetime Achievement Award from The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai Kendra, Best Guru Award from Brahma Gana Sabha, Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Endowment Award, Sathya Nrithya Sundaram, Nadana Kalaimani.