"Only a fragment of the society understands the value of acquiring artistic talent. Therefore the scope for pursuing it as a career is very limited. The situation is improving and there is now a lot of demand for dance teachers. There are more performers. Teaching is more demanding than performing. Most dance teachers who are competent enough make a good living.  

Though there are innumerable dancers, professional performers are few. To give a professional performance is very challenging and thorough knowledge of the art, coupled with a certain amount of publicity would help one to be a successful professional dancer earning a comfortable living."  

AWARDS AND DISTINCTIONS  
Over a long dancing career, the Dhananjayans have received innumerable National and International awards and recognition.  
  
Major Awards at Home  
  

THE DHANANJAYANS RECEIVED THE GD BIRLA INTERNATIONAL AWARD & PURSE    The G.D.Birla Award instituted by the Birla Academy of Arts & Culture, were presented in New Delhi on Monday the 21st June 210.  Details & Photos

  

Delhi based Sree Shanmukhananda Sangeettha Sabha honoured The Dhananjayans with the title and honour ' NAATYA RATNA' on 26th February 2010 on the inauguration of their 60th year Art festival.

 

The Dhananjayans have been selected to receive the coveted International G.D.BIRLA ART & CULTURE  AWARD 2009-10.

 

The Dhananjayans received Life time achievement Award from Women Exclusive Magazine on 21Jan 2010.

 

Naatyaachaarya Shanta and V.P.Dhananjayan were honoured and felicitated for their immense contribution to the field of performing arts and in particular Bharatanaatyam by Narada Gana Sabha's dance wing NAATYARANGA. The 13th Naatya Ranga Annual Thematic Festival was inaugurated on 27th August at Gyanananda Hall Alwarpet. Mr. V. Shankar, President of Mumbai Shanmughananda Sabha and a business magnate felicitated the Dhananjayans and gave away a gold medal, citation and a cheque for rupees ten thousand.

 

VP Dhananjayan and Shantha Dhananjayan were conferred with the GURU SRESHTA AWARD, in recognition of their contribution to Indian classical dance, by the Salangai Academy of Indian Classical Arts in Trichy on June 14, 2009.

 

Cleveland Thyagaraja Aaraadhana committee honored senior artistes with their annual 'Rathnaakara' awards.  The Dhannajayans received Nritya Rathnaakara on April 11, 2009.  They were presented the traditional Veera Sringhala (bracelets) by Cleveland Sundaram & Toronto Venkatraman. The other awardees were M.S.Gopalakrishnan (violin maestro), Parasala Ponnamma (veteran Sangeeta Aachaaryaa). Photos

   

Shanta & Dhananjayan decorated with the honor PADMA BHUSHAN    The Dhananjayans received the Padma Bhushan Award from President Pratibha Patil at the civil investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on March 31, 2009 for development, preservation and propagation of the best of Kalakshetra tradition of Bharatanatyam through their dance academy Bharatakalanjali.         Click on images for enlarged version   A THANK YOU NOTE FROM THE DHANANJAYANS !!!    It is with the utmost humility and great pride that we accept this National award of PADMABHUSHAN on the occasion of the 60th Republic day and we thank the President of India and all the people responsible for selecting us for this coveted honour.   So far all awards and rewards came in search of us and this was also a bolt from the blue and we profusely thank our Government, especially the Home Ministry. It proves that the selection process do go by merit and credibility.    Since the award was announced, we have received congratulatory notes and messages from numerous connoisseurs, well-wishers and admirers from around the world. We are really touched by their sincere appreciation, and the love and regards they have in us. We genuinely feel it is their goodwill that has kept us going all this while and thank every one of them from the bottom of our heart for their greetings on this joyous occasion.   We share the joy with all our students, our admirers all over the globe and dedicate this honour to our alma mater, Kalakshetra.  After Smt.Rukminidevi - the founder of Kalakshetra and our mentor in every sense of the term - we are the next ones from Kalakshetra to be honoured with this high National award. So Kalakshetra can be justifiably proud of our achievement in spreading the best traditions we inherited from this temple of art.   We have always been convinced that we stand in the shadows of our Art (Kaladevi) and all the laurels and glory go to that divine profession that we practice namely Bharatanaatyam.  While accepting this award, we are humbled by the greatness of this Art form and would like to offer it at the altar of our learning - Kalakshetra.

  

33rd National Level Dance Drama Festival in Memory of Smt. Rukminidevi ( Founder Kalakshetra, Chennai), organised by Sri Lalithakala Academy Foundation Mysore, jointly cosponsored by Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana University (SVYASA University Bengaluru) honoured Shanta & Dhananjayan with the title and honour of "Lalithakala Ratna". Sri. BSS Rao the Founder of SLAF is the dynamic force behind this organisation which has been doing yeoman service to our ART AND CULTURE .

  

In connection with the Republic day celebration - a Gandhiyan organisation and Tamizh Magazine "ANBU-PAALAM" (of Dr.Kalyanasundaram) honoured the Dhananjayans with the title of "LAKSHYA DAMPATHIGAL" ( Ideal couple) and gold medals.

  

Mysore Sri Lalithakala Academy Foundation Trust (Center for performing arts) honoured The Dhananjayans with the prestigious "Rukminidevi Memorial Award" on February 28, 2009.

  

Padma Sarangapani Ccultural Academy honoured The Dhananjayans with the Padma Saadhana Award on January 8, 2009.

  

Click on image for enlarged version    The Dhananjayans received the Award of Excellence - Life time achievement award from Kartik Fine Arts on December 27, 2008

  

Click on images for enlarged version   On August 30, 2008, monthly music journal Naadhabrahmam honored the Dhananjayans with the NATANA PRAKAASAM title at the Music Academy, Chennai, for their contribution to art for over 60 years and to mark 40 years of their dance institution Bharatakalaanjali. This year also marks the 70th birthday of guru V P Dhananjayan. A special edition of Naadhabrahmam was released with focus on the Dhananjayans. A one hour film on the Dhananjayans titled Kalaa Saadhana directed by Radhika Shurajit and Churchill Pandian was screened.    Photos

  

Click on images for enlarged version   KALA-VIPANCHEE, title and honour was awarded to Shanta & Dhananjayan by Dr. Balamuralikrishna through the VIPANCHEE Trust founded by Smt.Saraswathi Sundaresan.  The award function was held on 31st December 07 at R.K.Swamy Hall, Mylapore.

  

Honor & felicitation to BHARATAKALANJALI & The Dhananjayans    "ANBU PAALAM", A Tamizh Magazine edited and published by the great Gandhian and philanthropist Thiru. P.KALYANA SUNDARAM awarded the plaque of honor and gold medal on the Dhananjayans, recognizing the 40 years of service to art & culture by them through their institution, Bharatakalanjali.

  

"CMD's 2007 KALANIDHI AWARD FOR THE DHANANJAYANS"    CENTER FOR MUSIC & DANCE (CMD) ESTD 1984, Thiruvanathapuram announced their 2007 "Kalanidhi" award and honour to The Dhananjayans (Dhananjayan & Shanta) - the Bharatanaatyam couple of Bhaarat.   Click on images for enlarged version  The Dhananjayans receiving the citation and insignia from Maharaja Marthandavarma Thamburan.  The others in the pictures are Prof. Dr.Balamohan Thambi, & Subramaniyan

  

Lions club of South Madras and Rasa (A charitable organization) jointly honoured Gurus Sri VP Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan with the honor "ARTISTES OF THE YEAR". The award and felicitation function was held on 4th January 07 (Thursday), 6.30 pm at Bapalal Bhavan, 9, 1st Seaward Ave, Valmiki Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai-41.

  

BHARAT KALACHAR has honored Shanta & Dhananjayan - the Bharatanaatyam dance couple - with the award and title "VISWAKALA BHARATI" on the inaugural day of their annual December Art festival, 2006.  The award carried a silver medal and Rs.10000/- (Ten thousand) cash.

  

The Dhananjayans were honoured by the International Dance Alliance (IDA) on the occasion of their 20th anniversary celebrations (Aug 2006). At a function organised at the Narada Gana Sabha, they were presented with mementoes and shawls by Leela Sekar, chairperson, IDA, and R. Krishnaswami, sabha secretary. The US Council General Mr. David Hopper presented the award.   S. Sarada, former head of Dance Department, Kalakshetra (sitting) greeting Shantha Dhananjayan

  

	Bharatanatyam guru V P Dhananjayan was honored by the Madras Music Academy at their 78th annual conference and concerts, with the title of SANGEETA KALA ACHAARYA - 4th January 2005.
	The Dhananjayans received the prestigious SWATI-RATNA title and award instituted by the Malayalee Club of Madras, for their outstanding contributions to the propagation of the compositions of Maharaja Swati Thirunal.  Eminent persons who have been decorated earlier with this coveted award are stalwarts like Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, K.S. Narayanaswamy (Veena), K.J.Yesudas, K.R. Kumaraswamy Iyer and P.Leela. - April 2004
	Shanta Dhananjayan received the Kala-Sreshta puraskaar from Kaladarpanam publications, Cochi - 2nd october 2003.
	Diamond Jubilee Award for Excellence Nrityodaya, Chennai at Dr. Padma Subramanian’s golden jubilee commemorative function - 5th July 2003.
	Dr. Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar Award for excellence in Fine Arts (Rs.50,000/- cash award and silver  casket contating citiation) for the year 2002 was presented in Chennai by Union Minister for Law Hon.Sri. K.Jana Krishnamurthy - 12th October 2002.
	Honour and felicitations at the Silverjubilee celebrations, Nrittanjali School of Dance , Perumbavoor - 25th May 2002.
	Todayam (Kathakali club) 10th Anniversary Celebration Committee honoured and felicited the Dhananjayans - 19th May, 2002.
	Honour and felicitation by Sarada Krishnayyar Trust and Fine Arts Society, Telicherry to the Dhananjayans - 15th May 2002.
	Honour from Bharat Integration Committee in association with Telugu Academy (Madras) - October 2001.
	Kaladarpana, a prestigious and popular Kerala Art magazine (Malayalam) has conferred on V.P.Dhananjayan the coveted award Kala-Sreshta after an opinion poll taken among many artists, connoisseurs and readers of the magazine. This title and citation were conferred on him in Ernakulam - 2nd October 2001.
	Prathibha Pranaam, Kerala Government’s Manaviyam honour (received along with Nelson Mandela, South Africa) - March 2001.
	Natyajyothi  from Kapali Fine Arts chennai - January 2001
	Nritya Ratna Award from Bhaarateeya Vidya Bhavan, Coimbatore Kendra - October 2000
	BHARATAKALAA SAAGARA Award, given by Smt. Sudharani Raghupathi's Bharatalaya. Awarded by actor Shivaji Ganesan - October 18, 1997
	Kerala Samajam’s Kalavedhi Award, Chennai -1997
	Prathiba Pranamam Award by Govt of Kerala - 1997
	Nritya Choodamani Award to Shanta from Sri Krishna Gana Sabha -1995
	Kalaimamani Award to Shanta from Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram, Tamilnadu Govt. - November 22, 1995
	Sangeet Natak Akademi (Presidential Award) -1994
	Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Academy Fellowship -1993
	Kalaimamani Award to Dhananjayan from Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram, Tamilnadu Govt. -1990
	Haridas Sammelan Sursingar Sansad Mumbai "Nrityavillas" Award -1989
	Nritya Choodamani Award for Dhananjayan from Sri Krishna Gana Sabha - Dec 17, 1983
	Scroll of Honour Arts and Crafts Magazine, New Delhi awarded by then Vice President Hon. Sri. K R Narayanan
	Stree Ratna by Bharata Vidya Bhavan, Chennai and Dr.Padma Subrahmanyam’s Nrityodaya, Chennai, to Shanta for dance

Important Overseas Awards  
  

Cleveland Thyagaraja Aaraadhana committee honored senior artistes with their annual 'Rathnaakara' awards.  The Dhannajayans received Nritya Rathnaakara on April 11, 2009.  They were presented the traditional Veera Sringhala (bracelets) by Cleveland Sundaram & Toronto Venkatraman.

  

On October 12, 2008, India Fine Arts-Austin (USA) (IFA) honoured and awarded the title of "Nritya Saamsraat" to Dhananjayan and "Nritya Saagara" to Shanta Dhananjayan recognizing their contribution to the preservation, popularization and propogation of Indian Arts and culture in North America for the last four decades.

  

	Swami Asokananda (President) and Swami Karunananda (Vice-President) conferred the distinguished honors of Integral Yoga International’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the title of “Satchidananda Natya Choodamani” upon the legendary Bharata Natyam couple of Chennai, Sri V.P. and Smt. Shanta Dhanajayan on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Natya Adyayana Gurukulam of the Fine Arts Society of Yogaville.      The award and title were conferred upon The Dhananjayans in recognition of a lifetime as exemplars of the ideals of Discipline, Devotion and Dedication; for serving as cultural ambassadors from Bharata Varsha to the U.S.A. and throughout the world as masters of the spiritual art form of Bharata Natyam; and as outstanding artistes and educators planting seeds of inspiration, culture and hope for future generations.”
	SURPRISE HONOR AND WORLD PEACE AWARD FROM SWAMI SRI.CHINMOY  (CHINMOY WORLD PEACE FOUNDATION)   Click on images for enlarged version   The award carries an insignia and medal. Swamijee's blessing is bestowed on specially selected few by lifting them.   (Swamijee is internationally famous for using his Yogic power of concentration to lift any weight, including aeroplanes and elephants). He very casually lifted both of us jointly weighing 300 pounds.
	The Dhananjayans were honoured and felicitated by the Indian Association of San Antonio and Natyanjali Festival 06 San Antonio (USA) with the title and honour of NATYAACHARYA on November 11, 2006 at Carver Centre for Performing Arts.
	American Association of Indian Dance jointly with Arti School of Indian dance, San Antonio (USA  instituted an annual award and honour for an overseas artist who has contributed to the over all development and propagation of Indian classical performing arts and culture in North America.     The first award was given to V.P.Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan (The Dhananjayans of Chennai) for their life time contribution to the Indian dance in the USA.  This surprise announcement was made on the inaugural of the three days National Asian Indian Dance Convention 2003 held in San Antonio on 18, 19 and 20th July 2003 at the UTSA recital Hall of the University of Texas. Mr. Dhananjayan received this prestigious and glorious award from Smt.Chitra Visweswaran, while the selected invitees  gathered in the hall, gave standing ovation and cheered them with loud applause.  A beautifully designed crystal plaque reads thus:   "This NATYA award - a life time contribution to Indian dance in USA by an overseas person  presented to V.P.Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan, Bharatakalanjali, Chennai on 18th July 2003."
	Life Magazine Achievement Award (Ohio State Academy Award) - 1997.   Best Theatrical Production of the year '96-97 for Jungle Book dance choreography to Ohio Ballet Company.
	Plaque of Honour awarded by the Governor of Ohio State for excellent Community Service and International Understanding through Art –1996.
	Munshi Centenary Commemorative Award, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, London UK - 1988.
	UNESCO Paris, Medallion De Merit -1984.
	‘Natya Ratnakara' by The India Fine Arts in Austin, Texas.

The important positions held by V P Dhananjayan  
  

	Central Sangeet Natak Akademi - General Council Member for five years.
	General council member Tamilnadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram.
	Executive members of the Institute of Traditional South East Asian Studies, University of Madras.
	Member of the Selection Board Committee, Khairaghad University, Madhya Pradesh.
	Founder and Hon Secretary for the Association of Bharatanatyam Artists of India (ABHAI).
	President of Abhai for two terms.
	Executive member of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai Kendra.
	Member of the Selection Board, University of Hyderabad.
	Executive member of the Calicut University, Performing Arts Faculty.
	Board member of the Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Fine Arts wing.
	Shanta Dhananjayan is one of Trustee members of the Sitar maestro Pt.Ravi Shankar Center for Performing Arts, New Delhi.
	The Dhananjayans are Patrons and serve in the advisory committee of several cultural organizations in the country.

  

- Photo Album