V. B. R. Pillai

🪔 About

Vazhuvoor Ramaiah Pillai (1910–1991) was a highly renowned Indian Bharatanatyam dance teacher, choreographer, and Nattuvanar, celebrated for his significant contributions to the art form. Born in 1910 in Vazhuvoor, Tamil Nadu, India, he learned the arts of Nattuvangam and Bharatanatyam from his maternal uncle, Maanikka Nattuvanar. Pillai is credited with establishing and popularizing the distinctive Vazhuvoor bani (style) of Bharatanatyam, which is known for its lyrical grace and refined movements. He introduced innovative approaches to Bharatanatyam, broadening its repertoire by choreographing dances to Carnatic music pieces that were popular in vocal concerts. He incorporated various compositions, including Rama Natak Kiruti, Tyagaraya Swami Kiruti, Bharathiyar songs, Kutralak Kuravanji, Arunachala Kavi songs, and Oottukkadu Venkata Kavi songs, into his teaching. Notably, he encouraged Indian Independence by having his students perform Bharathiyar's patriotic songs on stage even when they were banned by the British. His pragmatic approach to performance allowed dancers to familiarize themselves with the entire stage area through simple steps before moving on to more complex portions of the dance. He passed away in 1991 at the age of 80 or 81. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (1966), Isai Perarignar (1961), Sangeetha Kalasikhamani (1979), Padmasri, Kalaimamani, Naatya Kala Kesari.