Sarasa Krishnan

🪔 About

K.J. Sarasa (born March 10, 1937, in Karaikal, Puducherry, India; died January 2, 2012, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India) was a highly revered Bharatanatyam exponent and teacher, widely recognized as the first female Nattuvanar. Daughter of nagaswaram artist Jagadeesan Pillai, she began her dance training under Kattumannar Koil Muthukumara Pillai. She later moved to Madras (now Chennai) to pursue intensive training under the legendary Vazhuvoor Ramaiah Pillai through the gurukula system for over 15 years, becoming a torchbearer of the Vazhuvoor bani style. Sarasa dedicated her life to teaching and choreography, choosing not to be a performing artist herself. In 1952, she made history by becoming the Nattuvanar for celebrated dancer Vyjayanthimala in Karaikudi, marking the beginning of her extensive teaching career. In 1960, she founded her influential dance institute, 'Sarasalaya', in Chennai, which became a prominent institution for Bharatanatyam training. Through Sarasalaya, she conducted over 1,000 arangetrams and more than 2,000 dance performances, shaping generations of dancers. Her teaching methodology emphasized grace, ornamentation, sculpturesque poses, and the charm of the Vazhuvoor style, while also encouraging individuality and creativity within the traditional framework of Bharatanatyam. She provided comprehensive training that included music, nattuvangam, make-up, and aharya (costume and jewellery). Sarasa choreographed and produced over 50 dance dramas, with her productions "Shakuntalam" and "Vikramorvasiyam" earning the Swarna Kamal award at the Kalidas Samaroh. Her profound contributions to Indian classical dance were recognized with numerous accolades, including the Tamil Nadu State Kalaimamani Award and the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. She also served as the honorary director of the Bharatanatyam department of the Tamil Nadu Government Music College. Awards & Honours: Kalaimamani Award, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Swarna Kamal award, Natyaselvam, Swarnakalasam, Natyaratna, Sangita Nataka Academy's best Bharathanatyam dance teacher.