Sailaja

Kalaimamani Sailaja was born in a very culturally oriented family with her grandparents being well-trained in Veena and vocal. But she was the only one who turned to dance. Initially trained ' in 'Vazhuvoor' style of Bharatnatyam  at the tender age of five. Under the intensive tutelage of world class Guru (Late) Smt. K. J. Sarasa for 18 years. Then she learned Kuchipudi for 16 years from Padmabhushan Dr. Vempatti. Both her Guru's gave her a strong artistic foundation that nourished her in the exquisite artist she is. After her formal training she evolved as an artist of excellence. She established herself as a successful performer and a thinking choreographer. 

Sailaja founded her dance school 'Saila-Sudha Academy', an institution which trains in two styles of Indian classical dance Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi. Established two decades ago. The academy offers classes for all levels of learning and gives students the opportunity to showcase their skills. The academy has trained many students in both dance forms.

Sailaja has got a very long and rich experience of three decades in Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi dance. She has got a unique combination of successful performer, dedicated teacher, crafted choreographer and enthusiastic innovator in her field of dance. She is a rare combination of Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi dance. Her choreography is inimitable. She has to her credit the ballet presentation of Tagore's 'Chandolika' in Sanskrit, and thematic presentations like Pibare Rama Rasam, Madhura Bhakti, Satyam Sivam Sundaram and many more. She has performed in India and abroad in various countries like Latin America, Japan, Russia etc. Sailaja has got experience of teaching in her own academy and also she is an adjunct professor at the faculty of dance in Annamalai University.