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<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|Indian dancer}}<br />
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{{Use Indian English|date=July 2025}}<br />
{{Infobox person<br />
| name = N. Sailaja<br />
| image = <br />
| caption = <br />
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1966|12|22|df=y}}<br />
| birth_place = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India<br />
| occupation = Indian classical dancer, choreographer, teacher<br />
| known_for = Contributions to [[Bharatanatyam]] and [[Kuchipudi]]<br />
| awards = [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]] (2021), [[Kalaimamani]] (1999), Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Lifetime Achievement Award (2009), Natya Sudhakara (2017)<br />
}}<br />
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'''N. Sailaja''' (born 22 December 1966) is an Indian classical dancer, choreographer, and teacher known for her work in [[Bharatanatyam]] and [[Kuchipudi]]. Based in [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], she trained under K. J. Sarasa and [[Vempati Chinna Satyam]]. Sailaja is recognized for her choreography that integrates traditional techniques with contemporary elements and for her efforts in teaching and promoting Indian classical dance.<ref name="SangeetNatak">{{cite web |title=N. Sailaja |url=https://www.sangeetnatak.gov.in/public/uploads/awardees/docs/1741025777_N%20Sailaja_11zon.pdf |website=Sangeet Natak Akademi |access-date=8 April 2025}}</ref><br />
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==Early life and training==<br />
N. Sailaja was born on 22 December 1966 in [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref name="SangeetNatak"/> She began learning [[Bharatanatyam]] under K. J. Sarasa and later studied [[Kuchipudi]] under [[Vempati Chinna Satyam]].<ref name="SangeetNatak"/> Her training under these gurus provided her with a strong foundation in both dance forms.<ref name="SangeetNatak"/><br />
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==Career==<br />
Sailaja is a dancer, choreographer, and educator. Her performances in [[Kuchipudi]] emphasize traditional techniques while incorporating her own choreography.<ref name="SangeetNatak"/> She founded the Saila Sudha Dance Academy in [[Chennai]] in 1988 to teach and promote Indian classical dance.<ref name="SangeetNatak"/> The academy has trained many students and hosts events to encourage appreciation of classical arts, including ''Sangama'', an annual gathering of artists from various disciplines.<ref name="NewIndianExpress2011">{{cite web |title=In conversation with Sailaja |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2011/Dec/06/in-conversation-with-sailaja-317720.html |website=The New Indian Express |date=6 December 2011 |access-date=8 April 2025}}</ref><br />
Sailaja has performed in India and abroad, contributing to the global understanding of Indian classical dance. Her performances are noted for their technical precision and expressiveness.<ref name="Hindu2016">{{cite web |title=A refined performance |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/A-refined-performance/article14576141.ece |website=The Hindu |date=14 April 2016 |access-date=8 April 2025}}</ref> She has also spoken out against practices like "pay-and-perform," which she views as detrimental to the art form.<ref name="Hindu2019">{{cite web |title=Voice against pay-and-perform in dance |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/dance/voice-against-pay-and-perform-in-dance/article28085365.ece |website=The Hindu |date=27 June 2019 |access-date=8 April 2025}}</ref><br />
She has developed educational resources for classical dance students, aiding in the preservation of these traditions.<ref name="Hindu2016b">{{cite web |title=Useful learning tool |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/dance/Useful-learning-tool/article15951961.ece |website=The Hindu |date=29 September 2016 |access-date=8 April 2025}}</ref><br />
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==Awards and recognition==<br />
Sailaja has received several awards for her contributions to Indian classical dance. These include the ''Kalaimamani'' award from the [[Tamil Nadu]] State Government in 1999, the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009, and the ''Natya Sudhakara'' award from the Government of [[Tamil Nadu]] in 2017.<ref name="SangeetNatak"/> In 2021, she was honored with the [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]] for [[Kuchipudi]].<ref name="SangeetNatak"/><br />
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==Personal life==<br />
Sailaja is committed to preserving Indian classical dance traditions through her teaching and performances.<ref name="SangeetNatak"/> She supports combining innovation with tradition and has participated in charitable initiatives related to dance.<ref name="NewIndianExpress2009b">{{cite web |title=Charity meets dance |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2009/Dec/16/charity-meets-dance-113270.html |website=The New Indian Express |date=16 December 2009 |access-date=8 April 2025}}</ref><br />
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==Legacy==<br />
Sailaja’s work as a performer, teacher, and advocate has influenced Indian classical dance, particularly through her academy and performances.<ref name="Hindu2014">{{cite web |title=Here, now and beyond |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/here-now-and-beyond/article6704520.ece |website=The Hindu |date=4 December 2014 |access-date=8 April 2025}}</ref><br />
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== References ==<br />
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[[Category:1966 births]]<br />
[[Category:Living people]]<br />
[[Category:Kuchipudi dancers]]<br />
[[Category:People from Chennai]]<br />
[[Category:Dancers from Tamil Nadu]]<br />
[[Category:Recipients of the Kalaimamani Award]]<br />
[[Category:20th-century Indian dancers]]<br />
[[Category:21st-century Indian dancers]]</div>JyotikaSBaliarsingh