Vajira Chitrasena is a veteran Sri Lankan traditional dancer, choreographer and teacher. Vajira is regarded as Sri Lanka's first prima ballerina. She is the first Sri Lankan woman to practice the traditional Kandyan dance which was traditionally performed only by men. Vajira is credited for creating brand for female style of Kandyan dancing and set the tone for women to become ritual dancers. She was married to Chitrasena who was a well known legendary dancer and dance guru. On 26 January 2020, she along with late professor Indra Dassanayake was conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award which is one of the highest Indian civilian awards coinciding with the 71st Republic Day of India.
Biography
Vajira was born on 15 March 1932 and was introduced to the arts at her very young age by her parents. She completed her primary and secondary education at the Methodist College, Colombo. She married her fellow dance partner late Chitrasena in 1951 at the age of 18. Her husband Chitrasena founded Chitrasena Dance Company in 1943.
Career
Her first domestic solo performance came in 1943 on stage at the Kalutara Town Hall. She and her husband Chitrasena co-founded the Chitrasena-Vajira Dance Foundation in 1952 and both toured India on several occasions between 1959 and 1998 to collaborate with artistes from different genres. Vajira and Chitrasena are known for their close bond with India and for their contributions in strengthening the ties between the two countries in the field of arts. She made her debut as soloist in the role of Prakriti in the ballet 'Chandali' in 1952. Her rise to stardom was coupled with unswerving discipline and dedication both as teacher, performer and choreographer, even as she illumined her husband's career. She has also choreographed several acclaimed productions and has also been teaching dance to students for over 60 years. She has taught teaching to few prominent actresses Nilmini Tennakoon and Jeevarani Kurukulasuriya.
Honours
The duo Vajira and Chitrasena were awarded the Eagle Award of Excellence in 2004 by the Eagle Insurance for their outstanding contributions to art. She was felicitated by the High Commission of India on her 81st birthday on 15 March 2013. She received the prestigious Padma Shri award for her achievement in arts in January 2020 which was given by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was also the first instance where Sri Lankan was honoured with the prestigious award since 2002.
