Vaikkom Sajeev

🪔 About

Vakkom Sajeev is a renowned Indian choreographer, performer, and co-founder of Samudra Performing Arts, a contemporary dance theatre based in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He, along with Madhu Gopinath, established Samudra in 1997. Sajeev's artistic journey began with training in Bharatanatyam during his school days, followed by learning Kalaripayattu and various other traditional dance forms. He further honed his skills under contemporary dancer Daksha Sheth for four years. Samudra Performing Arts is recognized for developing a unique dance style called "Samudranatanam," which blends Indian classical dance traditions with Kerala's martial art form, Kalaripayattu. This innovative approach aims to create a powerful and unique Indian idiom of dance. Sajeev has co-directed and choreographed several major productions, including 'The Sound of Silence,' 'Jalam,' 'Rhythm,' and 'The Cosmic Dance of Siva,' which have received national and international acclaim. His work has been presented in over 45 countries. Vakkom Sajeev has received significant recognition for his contributions to dance and choreography. He was awarded the National Award for Best Choreographer by the Government of India in 2006. In the same year, he received the Best Choreography award from the Government of Kerala and the Film Critics Association award for the film 'Raathrimazha'. He again won the Best Choreography award from the Government of Kerala and the Film Critics Association award in 2010 for the film 'Makaramanju'. More recently, the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy honored him and Madhu Gopinath with the "Kalashree Puraskaar" for their contributions to Samudranatanam. He has also choreographed for films like 'Urumi'. Awards & Honours: Best Choreographer Award (2006), Best Choreography Award (2006), Film Critics Association Award (2006), Best Choreography Award (2010), Film Critics Association Award (2010), Kalashree Puraskaar.