Rajini Selvanayagam

Rajini Selvanayagam
Born1951/1952
Balangoda, Sabaragamuwa Province
Died20 October 2023
NationalitySri Lankan
Occupation(s)dancer, dance teacher
OrganizationChamara Kala Nikethanaya
Known forprofessional dancing
AwardsKalasuri (2005)

Kalasuri Rajini Selvanayagam (1951/1952 – 20 October 2023) was a veteran Sri Lankan traditional dancer. She was popularly dubbed as the Queen of Dance.

Biography

She was born and raised in Balangoda.[1]

Career

She founded her own dance academy "Chamara Kala Nikethanaya" in 1975.[2] She ran the Chamara Kala Nikethanaya which was solely intended at building a value-based society enhancing culture, traditions, customs through the art of dancing.[3]

She was well known as a professional teacher of dancing during her illustrious career and she gave so much emphasis on the propagation and sustenance of unique forms of Sri Lankan dance art.[4][5] She was conferred with prestigious Kalasuri during the 2005 Sri Lankan national honours. She was also conferred with Kala Keerthi and Vishwa Kala Keerthi titles during her career.[1]

Death

She died on 20 October 2023 at the age of 71.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b "Famed Dancer and dance teacher Kalasuri Rajini Selvanayagam passes away aged 71". Sri Lanka News - Newsfirst. 2023-10-21. Retrieved 2023-10-28.
  2. ^ "Look ahead to scale new heights | The Sunday Times Sri Lanka". Retrieved 2023-10-28.
  3. ^ "Veteran dancer Rajini Selvanayagam passes away". Latest in the News Sphere | The Morning. 2023-10-21. Retrieved 2023-10-28.
  4. ^ "Veteran dancer Rajini Selvanayagam passes away - Breaking News | Daily Mirror". www.dailymirror.lk. Retrieved 2023-10-28.
  5. ^ "Veteran traditional dancer Rajini Selvanayagam passes away". NewsWire. 2023-10-21. Retrieved 2023-10-28.
  6. ^ "Veteran traditional dancer Rajini Selvanayagam passes away". www.adaderana.lk. Retrieved 2023-10-28.