K J Sarasa

About

K. J. Sarasa (born March 10, 1937, in Karaikal, Puducherry, India; died January 2, 2012, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India) was a revered Bharatanatyam exponent and teacher, widely recognized as one of the first and most successful female Nattuvanars (traditional teachers in Bharatanatyam). Born into a family of musicians, with ancestors serving as court musicians for the Thanjavur kings, she was the daughter of nagaswaram artist Jagadeesan Pillai and Valliammal. Sarasa received her initial training from Muthukumara Pillai before undergoing extensive gurukula vasam for over 15 years under the legendary Guru Vazhuvoor Ramaiah Pillai, becoming a leading representative of the Vazhuvoor bani style. She also received vocal music lessons from Shri Ramanathapuram Krishnan and Shri Vakkiyur Gurumurthy. In 1952, Sarasa made history by becoming the first female Nattuvanar in Karaikudi. In 1960, she founded her renowned dance institute, 'Sarasalaya,' in Madras (now Chennai), which became a pivotal institution for Bharatanatyam training. Through Sarasalaya, she conducted over 1,000 arangetrams (first public performances) and 2,000 dance performances, significantly contributing to the art form's legacy. Sarasa produced and choreographed more than 50 dance dramas and was known for her emphasis on encouraging individuality and creativity within the traditional framework of Bharatanatyam. Her contributions were further acknowledged with her appointment as the honorary director of the Bharatanatyam department of the Tamil Nadu Government Music College. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1992), Kalaimamani Award (1975), Swarna Kamal award, Acharya Kala Bharathi, Natya Kala Sikhamani (2001).

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