Home
Legacy Rooted in Music and Dance
Roja Kannan was born into a culturally rich South Indian family steeped in the traditions of Carnatic classical music. Surrounded by the melodies and rhythms of this profound tradition, Roja imbibed a deep sensitivity and passion for the performing arts from a very young age. This natural affinity led her to the path of Bharatanatyam, and she began her formal training under one of the most iconic figures in Indian classical dance — Padma Bhushan Dr. Vyjayanthimala Bali. Roja trained under her at the prestigious NATYALAYA in Chennai, where she was rigorously groomed in the classical technique, discipline, and aesthetics of the art form.
Founding of
Bharatha Natyalaya –
A Temple of Learning
In 1987, with a vision to uphold and pass on the purity of the tradition she inherited, Roja Kannan founded the ‘Bharatha Natyalaya Academy of Music & Dance’ in Chennai. The institution was created with the sole purpose of training students in the authentic style, technique, and philosophy of Bharatanatyam, particularly as passed down through the Guru-Sishya Parampara (teacher-disciple tradition). Bharatha Natyalaya has since emerged as a distinguished centre for classical dance and music, upholding the core values of the South Indian cultural tradition.
Mentoring Generations – A Lasting Contribution
Over the decades, Roja Kannan has nurtured and trained hundreds of dedicated students, many of whom have gone on to become accomplished performers, teachers, and choreographers. Her disciples consistently reflect the finesse, discipline, and expressive depth that are the hallmarks of her own training and artistic lineage. Several of her senior students have established their institutions, continuing to teach the art with integrity and spreading Roja’s and her Guru’s unique pedagogical approach to newer generations of learners.
A Living Legacy
Through Bharatha Natyalaya, Roja Kannan continues to inspire excellence, preserve classical values, and foster innovation within the traditional framework. The academy remains a beacon of learning, performance, and cultural transmission, ensuring that the rich and refined traditions of Bharatanatyam remain vibrant and relevant. Roja’s commitment to her Guru’s legacy and her own vision of the art form has created a living, breathing lineage that continues to expand, evolve, and enrich the global classical dance landscape.