A name to reckon with in the Bharatanatyam firmament, as dancer and choreographer, Leela Samson received initial training at Kalakshetra, where she studied from 1961 to 1967 and again between 1969 a0nd 1975. She completed her post graduate course at Kalakshetra with distinction.
During her years at the institution, Leela was deeply influenced by Rukmini Devi Arundale, both in her dance and philosophy of life. After completing her Master's, she became part of the Repertory Company, travelling and performing with the troupe in India and abroad.
In 1975, Leela moved to New Delhi where she taught at the Sriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra while continuing to perform solo. From 1990 onwards, she began teaching and choreographed a body of work called Spanda, which later became the name of her repertory company. The dancers in the group, including Leela, continue to perform contemporary pieces as choreographed by her.
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Leela Samson’s work for Spanda is firmly rooted in the Bharatanatyam tradition while it explores new geometrical and spiritual parameters within the tradition.
In the past few decades, Leela’s work has drawn accolades for the way it remains anchored to the heritage she has absorbed, yet soars to new heights. In fact, she has often been described as “one of the most dynamic and technically brilliant dancers of India.”
After the passing away of Rukmini Devi, Leela served as a member on the board of the newly constituted Kalakshetra Foundation.
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In 2005, she was appointed its Director, a post she held until 2012. During this period, she brought a sense of integrity and dynamism to the institution. There was a widening of the academic practice for the students of Kalakshetra and an opening up of horizons for those who graduated during these years.
During her tenure as director, Leela also initiated several publications, films and the documentation of Rukmini Devi’s dance dramas. She revived the art department. Access to the visual arts, in addition to dance and music, enriched the students. In 2010, Leela was appointed Chairperson, Sangeet Natak Akademi.
She is the recipient of the Sanskriti Award in 1982, the Padmasri in 1990, the Nritya Choodamani in 1997 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2000.
Among Leela’s publications are ‘Rhythm in Joy,’ a book on the classical dance forms in India, and ‘Rukmini Devi: A Life.’ Two documentary films have been made on her life and work – ‘Sanchari’ by Arun Khopkar and ‘The Flowering Tree’ by Ein Lall.