Chinniah Sivakumar

🪔 About

Guru Shri. S. Sivakumar is a distinguished exponent and guru of Bharatanatyam, born in Devakottai, Ramanathapuram District, India. His journey in classical dance began at the age of 12 after he moved to Chennai for his studies. He received his initial Bharatanatyam training for eight years from Guru Smt. Chandra Dandayuthapani Pillai at Natyakalalayam. Furthering his expertise, he pursued a two-year Diploma in Nattuvangam under Guru Sri. Seetha Rama Sharma, supported by a scholarship from the Tamilnadu Government's Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram. His dedication to the art form led him to receive a Sangeeth Natak Akademi fellowship for advanced training in Nattuvangam and Vocal for Dance. He continued his advanced studies in Bharatanatyam, Vocal, and Nattuvangam under the tutelage of the legendary Gurus Kalaimamani Sri. M.V. Narasimhachari and Smt. Vasanthalakshmi. He also collaborated with esteemed gurus such as Sri. K.N. Dakshinamurthy Pillai, Smt. Malathi Srinivasan, and Smt. Usha Srinivasan. With over three decades of experience, Shri. S. Sivakumar is recognized as an 'A' Grade Artist by All India Doordarshan Kendra and has performed extensively as a solo, duet, and group artist. His international tours have taken him to countries including the U.S.A, Canada, U.K, France, Norway, Dubai, Japan, Thailand, Srilanka, Myanmar, and Taiwan, where he has conducted performances, workshops, and lecture demonstrations. He served as an Assistant Professor for the Masters Degree in Bharatanatyam at Kumarani Meena Muthiah College in Adayar, Chennai. A life member of the Association of Bharatanatyam Artistes of India (ABHAI), he also contributed as Treasurer for seven years and as Joint Secretary. In 1996, Guru Shri. S. Sivakumar founded "SHIVAKALALAYAM (Regd)-School of Fine Arts" in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, which was officially registered in 1998. This institution, also known as Shivakalalayam Academy of Indian Performing Arts (SAIPA), has since expanded with multiple branches across Chennai. Through Shivakalalayam, he and his wife, Smt. Sailaja Shivakumar, a senior disciple, impart training to numerous budding artists in Bharatanatyam, Nattuvangam, Mohini Attam, and offer teaching courses in Bharatanatyam. His contributions to Indian classical dance have been recognized with several accolades, including the "SATHYA MANORANJANA SUNDARAM" title in 2008 and the ABHAI Talent Promotion Endowment Award for Best Male Dancer in 2010. Awards & Honours: Talent Promotion Endowment Award for Best Male Dancer (2010), SATHYA MANORANJANA SUNDARAM (2008), NATYAKALA VIPANCHEE (2007), Best Dancer Award (2002), Best Dancer Award (2001).