N. Sailaja
{{Short description|Indian dancer}}
{{Infobox person
| name = N. Sailaja
| image =
| caption =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1966|12|22|df=y}}
| birth_place = Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| occupation = Indian classical dancer, choreographer, teacher
| known_for = Contributions to Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi
| awards = Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2021), Kalaimamani (1999), Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Lifetime Achievement Award (2009), Natya Sudhakara (2017)
}}
N. Sailaja (born 22 December 1966) is an Indian classical dancer, choreographer, and teacher known for her work in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. Based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, she trained under K. J. Sarasa and Vempati Chinna Satyam. Sailaja is recognized for her choreography that integrates traditional techniques with contemporary elements and for her efforts in teaching and promoting Indian classical dance.{{cite web |title=N. Sailaja |url=https://www.sangeetnatak.gov.in/public/uploads/awardees/docs/1741025777_N%20Sailaja_11zon.pdf |website=Sangeet Natak Akademi |access-date=8 April 2025}}
Early life and training
N. Sailaja was born on 22 December 1966 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. She began learning Bharatanatyam under K. J. Sarasa and later studied Kuchipudi under Vempati Chinna Satyam. Her training under these gurus provided her with a strong foundation in both dance forms.
Career
Sailaja is a dancer, choreographer, and educator. Her performances in Kuchipudi emphasize traditional techniques while incorporating her own choreography. She founded the Saila Sudha Dance Academy in Chennai in 1988 to teach and promote Indian classical dance. The academy has trained many students and hosts events to encourage appreciation of classical arts, including Sangama, an annual gathering of artists from various disciplines.{{cite web |title=In conversation with Sailaja |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2011/Dec/06/in-conversation-with-sailaja-317720.html |website=The New Indian Express |date=6 December 2011 |access-date=8 April 2025}}
Sailaja has performed in India and abroad, contributing to the global understanding of Indian classical dance. Her performances are noted for their technical precision and expressiveness.{{cite web |title=A refined performance |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/A-refined-performance/article14576141.ece |website=The Hindu |date=14 April 2016 |access-date=8 April 2025}} She has also spoken out against practices like "pay-and-perform," which she views as detrimental to the art form.{{cite web |title=Voice against pay-and-perform in dance |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/dance/voice-against-pay-and-perform-in-dance/article28085365.ece |website=The Hindu |date=27 June 2019 |access-date=8 April 2025}}
She has developed educational resources for classical dance students, aiding in the preservation of these traditions.{{cite web |title=Useful learning tool |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/dance/Useful-learning-tool/article15951961.ece |website=The Hindu |date=29 September 2016 |access-date=8 April 2025}}
Awards and recognition
Sailaja has received several awards for her contributions to Indian classical dance. These include the Kalaimamani award from the Tamil Nadu State Government in 1999, the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009, and the Natya Sudhakara award from the Government of Tamil Nadu in 2017. In 2021, she was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Kuchipudi.
Personal life
Sailaja is committed to preserving Indian classical dance traditions through her teaching and performances. She supports combining innovation with tradition and has participated in charitable initiatives related to dance.{{cite web |title=Charity meets dance |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2009/Dec/16/charity-meets-dance-113270.html |website=The New Indian Express |date=16 December 2009 |access-date=8 April 2025}}
Legacy
Sailaja’s work as a performer, teacher, and advocate has influenced Indian classical dance, particularly through her academy and performances.{{cite web |title=Here, now and beyond |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/here-now-and-beyond/article6704520.ece |website=The Hindu |date=4 December 2014 |access-date=8 April 2025}}