R.K. Priyagopal Sana

🪔 About

R.K. Priyagopal Sana, also known as Rajkumar Priyagopal Singh, was a distinguished figure in Indian classical dance, primarily recognized for his profound contributions to Manipuri dance. His eminence in the field was formally acknowledged in 1980 when he was conferred the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, the highest honor bestowed by India's national academy of music, dance, and drama. Priyagopal Sana played a pivotal role in bringing Manipuri dance to a wider audience, both within India and internationally. He was an eminent exponent of the Manipuri dancing style known as Jagoi. His career saw him teaching at various cultural institutions in major Indian cities such as Calcutta (Kolkata) and Bombay (Mumbai). Beyond the traditional dance stage, he also contributed to the Indian film industry, having a short association as a choreographer in Bombay. A significant milestone in his career was his international tour of Australia in 1951. During this tour, he collaborated with Louise Lightfoot, an Australian figure known for her work with Indian dance, and Lakshman Singh. This pioneering effort was instrumental in "de-provincializing" and popularizing Manipuri dance on the global stage, thereby opening avenues for other dancers from India's North-eastern region in the international art world. Through his performances, teaching, and choreographic work, R.K. Priyagopal Sana solidified his position as a well-known and influential figure in the Indian classical dance landscape. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (1980).