18/10/2025
Chitrakalaimanram – A Living Legacy of the Vazhuvoor Tradition
Chitrakalaimanram proudly propagates the Vazhuvoor style of Bharathanatyam a classical dance tradition renowned for its elegance, grace, and expressive depth. Originating from the sacred village of Vazhuvoor in Tamil Nadu, this bani (style) was refined and elevated by “Natya Kalakesari”, “Isai Perarignar”, “Padmashri” Vazhuvoor B. Ramaiyah Pillai, whose artistry transformed the ancient temple dance heritage into a modern, yet deeply spiritual stage form.
Kalabhooshanam Smt. Thiripurasundari Yoganantham The Torchbearer of the Vazhuvoor Legacy from Srilanka
At the heart of the Vazhuvoor lineage shines “Kalabhooshanam” Smt. Thiripurasundari Yoganantham, one of the most respected and enduring figures in the world of Bharathanatyam. A devoted disciple of Vazhuvoor B. Ramaiyah Pillai, she carried forward his teachings with profound devotion, upholding the essence of the Vazhuvoor style beauty in form, depth in abhinaya, and divinity in rhythm.
Her father, Late W. M. Cumarasamy of Jaffna, founded Kalaimanram in 1958, an institution that would forever shape the classical arts landscape of Sri Lanka. The academy was inaugurated on 21st October 1958 at the Town Hall, Jaffna, by her Guru, Padmashri Vazhuvoor B. Ramaiyah Pillai, marking the beginning of a glorious chapter in Sri Lankan dance history.
Under the leadership of Kalabhooshanam Thiripurasundari Yoganantham as Principal and Chief Instructress in Bharathanatyam, supported by Kalabhooshanam Sathiabama Rajalingam (Carnatic Vocal) and Ram Cumarasamy (Director), Kalaimanram flourished as a beacon of classical excellence.
Beyond its institution walls, Kalaimanram extended its reach to schools including Chundikuli Girls’ College (Jaffna), Arali, Pandatheruppu, and Isai Kalai Manram (Chavakachcheri), nurturing hundreds of young dancers. Between 1958 and 1986, the institution produced numerous Arangetrams and grand dance dramas such as Bama Vijayam, Kutrala Kuravanji, Aandal, Kaveri, and Sitham Alahiyar, as well as devotional performances for Navalar Vizha combining Thevaram hymns with classical dance.
In 1987, Kalaimanram established its Colombo branch, continuing its mission of offering professional training for Arangetrams and Diploma programs. The school’s excellence was recognized globally, with its students performing for the American Brass Ensemble, the French Cultural Delegation, and during the visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury to Sri Lanka.
A defining moment came in 1995, when Kalaimanram’s students presented the dance drama “Dheivathai” at the 4th World Hindu Conference in Colombo — a performance that earned international acclaim.
Over the decades, Kalaimanram’s presence expanded worldwide, establishing branches across Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. In 2008, it proudly celebrated its Golden Jubilee, commemorating 50 years of service to the arts in the gracious presence of Mr. & Mrs. Thiripurasundari Yoganantham.
In recognition of her extraordinary dedication to Bharathanatyam, Kalabhooshanam Thiripurasundari Yoganantham received the Vazhuvoorar Award from Padmashri Dr. K. J. Yesudas during the 29th Vazhuvoorar Dance and Music Festival, held on 25th January 2009 in India.
Continuing her divine journey in dance, she marked over 65 years of service to this sacred art. In 2023, Chitrakalaimanram had the immense honour of presenting her with a Prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in the United Kingdom, celebrating her lifelong contribution to the propagation of Bharathanatyam and her tireless efforts to uphold the Vazhuvoor tradition across the world.
A true embodiment of humility, discipline, and artistic devotion, Kalabhooshanam Thiripurasundari Yoganantham remains a living inspiration — a Guru whose influence continues to shape dancers across generations and continents.
Chitrakalaimanram – Continuing the Sacred Lineage
Among her devoted disciples, Smt. Jeyachitra Sivamyooran stands as one of a distinguished torchbearer of the Vazhuvoor bani. Guided under the direct tutelage of Kalabhooshanam Thiripurasundari Yoganantham, she founded Chitrakalaimanram Centre for Performing Arts, in Srilanka year 2000 and currently continuing the legacy in the United Kingdom, with the mission to preserve, nurture, and spread the divine art of Bharathanatyam.
Rooted deeply in the Guru–Shishya Parampara, Chitrakalaimanram has, for more than 25 years, trained hundreds of students across the Midlands. Today, it flourishes through five vibrant branches Coventry 1, Coventry 2, Birmingham, Shirley, and Rugby, along with its online wing, offering comprehensive training in Bharathanatyam and other fine arts disciplines.
Many of its senior students now serve as teachers and choreographers, continuing the legacy of their Guru and the sacred Vazhuvoor tradition not only throughout the United Kingdom but also in Canada, Switzerland, Australia, and Sri Lanka.
As Chitrakalaimanram celebrates its Silver Jubilee Year, it stands as a proud testament to an unbroken lineage from Vazhuvoor B. Ramaiyah Pillai, to Kalabhooshanam Thiripurasundari Yoganantham, to Smt. Jeyachitra Sivamyooran carrying forward a legacy of faith, discipline, and devotion through the language of dance.
Chitrakalaimanram – Centre for Performing Arts
www.chitrakalaimanram.co.uk
Branches: Coventry 1 | Coventry 2 | Birmingham | Shirley | Rugby | Online