About Roja Kannan – Founder of Bharatha Natyalaya, Chennai

About

A Celebrated Bharatanatyam Exponent

Roja Kannan stands as one of the most outstanding exponents of Bharatanatyam from Chennai, India, with a distinguished career spanning over five decades. Renowned for her pristine style and expressive depth, she has captivated audiences through hundreds of performances and lecture demonstrations across India and abroad.

Trained under two legendary Gurus — Padmashri Sri. Adyar K. Lakshman and Padma Bhushan Smt. Kalanidhi Narayanan — Roja embodies both the precision of technique and the emotional richness of abhinaya. Her vast experience, dedication to the art form, and contributions to the classical dance community continue to inspire generations of artistes and art lovers.

A Celebrated Bharatanatyam Exponent

Honouring Her Gurus

Pillars of Roja Kannan’s Artistic Foundation

The Guiding Lights-Home page-Roja kannan-Bharatha Natyalaya

Roja Kannan’s exceptional journey in Bharatanatyam is deeply rooted in the profound training she received from two of the most revered stalwarts of the art form. She was groomed in the disciplined and vibrant Kalakshetra tradition under the illustrious Padmashri Awardee Guru Sri. Adyar K. Lakshman is known for his mastery in nritta and choreography. Complementing this was her immersive training in abhinaya under the legendary Padma Bhushan Awardee Smt. Kalanidhi Narayanan, often hailed as the queen of expressive dance. Their rigorous guidance and artistic brilliance laid the foundation for Roja Kannan’s growth into a consummate artiste, seamlessly blending technical precision with emotive depth.

Roja Kannan on the Global Stages

Celebrating Indian Classical Dance Worldwide

Roja Kannan has represented India with distinction on prestigious international platforms, taking Bharatanatyam to audiences across the globe. In July 2004, she participated in the acclaimed Jacob’s Pillow International Festival of Dance in Lee, Massachusetts — one of the most celebrated dance festivals in the world.

Her global journey continued with notable performances at the Global Rhythms Festival of Music & Dance in Oxford, Ohio (2006), and the World Harmony Day celebrations in Orange and Dubbo near Sydney, Australia (2013). In 2016, Roja was invited to the Annual Humanitas Festival at the University of Washington, Pullman, where she presented a lecture and a solo thematic performance.

She has also been featured at the prestigious Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival in 2007 and 2015. Her international recognition further includes ICCR-sponsored tours to Paris (2008) and Copenhagen (2018), under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, showcasing her role as a cultural ambassador of Indian classical arts

Roja Kannan on the Global Stages

Celebrating Indian Classical Dance Worldwide

ICCR-Sponsored Cultural Ambassador

Roja Kannan has had the honour of serving as a Cultural Ambassador of India, representing the country’s rich artistic traditions on prestigious international platforms. Under the sponsorship of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, she showcased the timeless beauty of Bharatanatyam through tours abroad.

In 2008, she performed in Paris, France, and in 2018, she traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark, as part of ICCR-led cultural exchange initiatives. These performances highlighted the spiritual depth, grace, and expressive power of Bharatanatyam, earning acclaim from diverse global audiences.

Through these tours, Roja Kannan not only promoted Indian classical dance but also helped foster meaningful cultural dialogue and mutual appreciation across borders. Her role as a cultural envoy underscores her dedication to preserving and sharing India’s artistic heritage with the world

Bharatha Natyalaya – Nurturing Tradition, Inspiring Generations

In 1987, Roja Kannan founded Bharatha Natyalaya Academy of Music & Dance to preserve and promote the classical tradition of Bharatanatyam. Rooted in the Guru-Sishya Parampara, the academy offers rigorous training in both technique and expression. Over the years, Roja has mentored hundreds of students, many of whom have become respected performers and teachers, carrying forward her legacy and that of her Gurus.

Nurturing Tradition, Inspiring Generations-About Page-Roja kannan-Bharatha Natyalaya

About page-Roja kannan-Bharatha Natyalaya

With esteemed guests Smt Shantha & Shri. V.P.Dhananjayan , Smt. Savithri Jagannatha Rao & Smt. Ranganayaki Jayaraman at the 30th Anniversary celebration of Bharatha Natyalaya in 2017.

Teaching Is My Temple-Home page-Roja kannan-Bharatha Natyalaya

PARASHAHA
A Journey of Thematic Brilliance in Dance

Roja’s artistic journey has flourished over the years through the creation and composition of several remarkable dance ballets, ranging from powerful solo thematic presentations to elaborate group productions.

In 2002, Roja joined hands with renowned senior dancers Priya Murle, N. Srikanth, and Aswathy to form the collaborative ensemble “PARASHAHA.” This group has since emerged as a creative force in the Indian classical dance landscape, dedicated to choreographing and presenting thought-provoking thematic dance productions. Together, they have brought to life a series of innovative performances that continue to captivate audiences with their depth, artistry, and cultural resonance.

Honours and Recognitions Conferred upon Roja
A Distinguished Journey in Classical Dance

Nritya Perunjoti

2025 Award from ABHAI ( Association of Bharatanatyam Artistes of India).

Kalaimamani

Awarded by the Government of Tamil Nadu for excellence in the arts.

Natana RASA Mamani

Given by RASA, Chennai for expressive brilliance in dance.

Mayura Nattuvanga Nanmani

From Mayura Natyanjali for excellence in
nattuvangam.

Senior Artiste Award

Honored by Marudha Natyanjali for lifelong contributions.

Nritya Kala Nipuna

Presented by Mylapore Fine Arts Club for dance expertise.

Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan Excellence Award

Lifetime honor from Vysakhi Nrithyotsava, Visakhapatnam.

Sai Arts Lifetime Achievement Award

Recognized in Bengaluru for decades of dedication.

Nrithya Kala Shikhamani

From Chennai Cultural Academy for dance mastery.

Lifetime Achievement Awards

Given by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan & Kartik Fine Arts, Chennai.

Kalacharya Sironmani

Honored by VDS Arts Academy for senior teaching.

Woman of Excellence

From Probus Club, Chennai for leadership in the arts.

Kala Seva Bharathi

Presented by Bharat Kalachar for service to Bharatanatyam.

Natya Ilavarasi

From Sree Shanmukhananda Sabha, Delhi for artistic grace.

Sathya Nrithya Sundaram

Awarded by Bharathanjali Trust for expressive dance.

Nadana Kalaimani

From Ramalingar Pani Mandram for dance achievements.

P. Obul Reddy Award

From Natyarangam, Chennai for senior dancer recognition.

Best Senior Dancer Award

Presented by The Music Academy, Chennai in 2012.

Roja Kannan’s Transformative Leadership in ABHAI: Championing the Cause of Artistes Across India and Beyond

Roja Kannan’s deep commitment to the artistic community was powerfully reflected in her long-standing association with ABHAI (Association of Bharatanatyam Artists of India).

Serving as General Secretary for eight years, and later as Executive Committee Member, Vice President, and President (2018–2024), she earned wide acclaim for her selfless service. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led efforts to support struggling artistes across India—offering financial aid, food, and essentials—not just to Bharatanatyam dancers but also to folk and other art forms. Under her leadership, ABHAI expanded nationally and internationally, opening its first overseas branch in New York.
She championed outreach initiatives, creating jobs for young artistes by placing them in Corporation Schools as salaried Bharatanatyam teachers, and introduced several awards to honour artistic excellence. Staying true to ABHAI’s motto—“For the Artistes, By the Artistes, To the Artistes”—Roja transformed the organisation into a nationally and globally respected platform.

Roja Kannan
A Visionary Leader, Educator,
and Advocate for the Arts

Empowering Grassroots Through Arts Education and Community Outreach

Roja Kannan remains deeply committed to nurturing the artistic community through grassroots outreach and academic initiatives. As an active member of “Jana Bharatham” by Natyarangam, Narada Gana Sabha, she promotes arts awareness among the public, bridging the gap between lay audiences and art connoisseurs. She also serves as Academic In-Charge of the Kalpakkam Dance Society and contributes to the Akhil Diksha Foundation Dance Academy in Ranipet. At DAV Kalakendram, the cultural arm of the DAV Group of Schools, Roja leads the Bharatanatyam section, integrating classical dance into school curricula as a vital co-curricular activity. Her work continues to inspire young artistes and reinforce the relevance of Indian classical arts in contemporary education.

Roja Kannan, Upholding Standards in Classical Dance Education and Evaluation

In addition to her artistic and administrative accomplishments, Roja Kannan plays a key role in upholding academic standards in Bharatanatyam across India. As an Examiner for the CCRT Scholarship Examinations conducted by the Ministry of Culture, she contributes to identifying and nurturing young classical talent. She also serves as an Examiner for the Diploma Examinations in Bharatanatyam at Dr. J. Jayalalitha Music & Fine Arts University and RASA, Chennai. Through these roles, Roja helps ensure the rigour, quality, and credibility of Bharatanatyam education and assessment nationwide.