Train to be a Dancer
Here's my story
Namaste! I am Vijayalakshmi, lovingly known as Viji. I am the founder of Thillai, which is a tribute to the great art form of Indian traditional dance, Bharatnatyam. I inherited this art from our ancestors, to whom I am eternally grateful. Their legacy is the foundation of my journey, and I am honored to share a glimpse of it with you.
A Legacy of Music and Dance
My family heritage traces back to Tanjore, the revered seat of Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam. My grandfather, Rajagopal Iyer, founded Nritya Kala Kendra in 1978—a hub for performing arts in Chennai. His legacy ignited my own artistic flame. I remember the first time I performed on stage, the nervous excitement, and the overwhelming joy of sharing this beautiful art form. Through Thillai, I am helping spread this beautiful spiritual, artistic form to the next generation across the globe.
Guided by Illustrious Gurus
From the tender age of 6, I immersed myself in the world of dance and music. My esteemed Gurus include:
Smt. Malathi Srinivasan
She instilled in me the Kalakshetra style of Bharatanatyam.
Smt. Chandrakala Jaganathan
An immediate disciple of "Padma Shree" Awardee Sri Dhandayuthapani Pillai. Under her guidance, I blossomed as an artist. My Carnatic vocal training came from Guru Vairamangalam Lakshmi Narayanan and Guru Gowri Sankar.
My Arrangetram
In 1984, I stepped onto the stage for my arrangetram—a debut performance. Judge Krishnaswamy Reddiar and the renowned Guru Sudharani Raghupathy praised my artistry, fueling my passion. This early recognition and encouragement from such esteemed figures in the world of Bharatanatyam was a significant milestone in my journey, inspiring me to continue my pursuit of excellence in this art form.
Awards and Accolades
I have been blessed in my journey with all my above gurus, and through their blessings I have been adorned with accolades:
- Iyal Isai Nadaka Mandram Award: Selected by a panel led by "Padma Bhushan" V.P. Dhananjayan for fine arts festivals.
- Brahanatyanjali Award: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
- Chidambaresa Natya Kalaimani” Award: Thillai Natiya Anjali Trust, Chidambaram, TN, India.
- Beyond Borders: Global Performances My dance has graced sabhas, fundraisers, and festivals worldwide:
- Representing Iyal Isai Nadaka Mandram in Madurai, Ranipettai, Karaikudi, and Chennai.
- Sri Thyagaraja Sangeetha Kala Samithi Award: Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
- Nritya Kala Shree" Award: 2018 International Dance Festival in Kolkata.
- Shree Bharatha Kalanjali: Honored by the Kingdom of Cambodia in 2023.
- Celebrating Jayasakthi Rajarajeswari's 19th Anniversary in Tanjavur.
- As a Chennai Doordarshan-graded artist, I've enthralled audiences with solo performances.
My role as an educator is a significant part of my journey. Following the teachings of my gurus, I am today an educator myself. As Director of Bharatanatyam for Vedic Vidyalay, NJ, I am committed to nurturing young talents and shaping the future of this art form. My passion for Bharatanatyam led me to publish "A Treatise on Bharatanatyam Book 1," a comprehensive guide that unravels its origin, history, theory, and intricate illustrations, inspiring the next generation of dancers and scholars. This commitment to education and the preservation of Bharatanatyam is vital to my journey.
Doctorate in Bharatnatyam
They say a seeker of knowledge knows no bounds. This art has captivated my mind so much that I truly wanted to delve deeper into its essence, leading to my doctorate in Bharatnatyam. This was one of the most fulfilling milestones and helped me underscore the importance of passing this art form to the next generation in its truest form.
Unforgettable Moments
From the sacred precincts of ancient temples to the exhilarating collaborations with world-class artists, my journey is a celebration and tribute to this art form. I invite you to join me in my endeavor. Let's take this dance form across continents and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Bharatanatyam!
