Vajira chitrasena biography examples

Sri Lankan traditional dancer (–)

DeshamanyaVajira Chitrasena (15 March – 23 September ) was a Sri Lankan traditional dancer, choreographer and teacher.^[1] Vajira is regarded as Sri Lanka's first prima ballerina.

She is the first Sri Lankan woman to practise the traditional Kandyan dance which was traditionally performed only by men.^[2] Vajira is credited with creating brand for a female style of Kandyan dancing and setting the tone for women to become ritual dancers.^[3] She was married to Chitrasena who was a well known legendary dancer and dance guru.^[4]

On 26 January , she along with late professor Indra Dassanayake was conferred with the Padma Shri award which is one of the highest Indian civilian awards coinciding with the 71st Republic Day of India.^[5][6][7]

Biography

Vajira was born on 15 March and was introduced to the arts at a very young age by her parents, especially her mot