Vazhuvoor S. Palaniappan

🪔 About

Vazhuvoor S. Palaniappan is a distinguished figure in Bharatanatyam, serving as the torchbearer of the illustrious Vazhuvoor style. Born in 1961, he represents the third generation of this renowned tradition, being the grandson of the revered Padmasri Natyakalakesari Vazhuvoor Ramaiah Pillai and the elder son of Kalaimamani Natyakalasamrat Vazhuvoor R. Samraj. His early training began with music, learning from his maternal grandfather Chidambaram S. Gopalakrishnan, and he also received training in Mridangam from Vidwan Ratnasabapathi and Vidwan Vinayagaram. Palaniappan's intense childhood interest in dance led him to learn the basics from Guru Muthuswamy Pillai before formally joining his grandfather and father's dance profession. He started learning Nattuvangam at the age of 12 and began accompanying his father's concerts as a nattuvanar from 1978. This early exposure provided him with the rare privilege of observing legendary dancers like K.J. Sarasa, Chitra Visveswaran, Dr. Padma Subramaniam, Kamala & Radha, Kanaka, and E.V. Saroja being tutored by his grandfather and father, thereby grasping the finer aspects of the Vazhuvoor Bhani. Palaniappan has meticulously strived to maintain the "classical perfection" of the Vazhuvoor style, known for its elegance, grace, polished perfection, spiritual dignity, and sculpturesque poses. He is in charge of the Vazhuvoorar Classical Bharatanatya Art Centre in Chennai, an institution founded by his grandfather. He also played a significant role in organizing the Vazhuvoorar Dance & Music Festival, founded by his father Samraj in 1980, and continues this annual music festival in Coimbatore as Vazhuvoorar Kalai Vizha. Additionally, he assists Jayanthi Ramachandra in her Sree Charan Fine Arts Academy in Coimbatore. Palaniappan has performed extensively as both an accompanying artist and a solo artist in Nattuvangam since 1978. He has also conducted Salangai Poojai for over 100 students and Arangetram for more than 39 students, and trains his daughters and senior disciples in dance, teaching, and nattuvangam. Awards & Honours: Kalaimamani (2021), Mayura Nattuvanga Nanmani, Natya Selvam, Kalemane Kalashree, Bharatha Shri.