A Tribute to the grand old dame of dance Vajira Chitrasena

Vajira Chitrasena, Sri Lanka’s grand old dame of dance, has left the stage for eternity.

I remember featuring her and her equally graceful dancer daughter Upekha for Satynmag’s first anniversary issue. She along with Upekha, were our treasured guests at the first anniversary gathering in 1999.

There was something unmistakably unique about Vajira as a dancer – her movement, her serene presence on the stage and her ability to bring traditional Sri Lankan dance forms alive in her own special way left a distinguished mark on the stage in Sri Lanka.

Vajira Chitrasena: The Dancer Who Redefined Tradition

The recent passing of Vajira Chitrasena marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Sri Lankan dance. A pioneer, a visionary, and a woman of remarkable grace, Vajira’s life was one of dedication to the art of Kandyan dance. Her contributions extended far beyond her role as a performer—she was a mentor, a trailblazer, and the heart of the Chitrasena Kalayathanaya, the dance school she and her husband, the legendary Chitrasena, nurtured together.

A Journey Born from Passion

Vajira’s story begins in the early 1930s, born into a time when the world of Kandyan dance was exclusively male. But her love for the art and her immense talent couldn’t be contained by tradition. Under the tutelage of Chitrasena, whom she later married, Vajira found her calling in dance. What began as a passion for movement grew into something far greater—a commitment to reshaping and redefining an ancient art form.

Her stage debut was nothing short of groundbreaking. Vajira became the first female to perform Kandyan dance, breaking down barriers that had stood for centuries. She wasn’t just stepping onto the stage; she was stepping into history.

Innovator and Teacher

Vajira wasn’t content with merely being a performer. She was a visionary, constantly pushing the boundaries of what Kandyan dance could be. Together with Chitrasena, she created works that blended tradition with innovation. Their productions, like Karadiya and Nala Damayanthi, didn’t just showcase the elegance of the dance form; they told stories, evoked emotions, and connected deeply with audiences. It was in these productions that Vajira’s brilliance as a choreographer truly shone. Her understanding of rhythm, movement, and storytelling transformed the stage into a place of magic.

But perhaps her most lasting contribution was as a teacher. At the Chitrasena Kalayathanaya, Vajira shaped generations of dancers, each one carrying forward her teachings, her passion, and her love for the art. She was known for her discipline, her attention to detail, and her deep belief in preserving the spirit of traditional dance, while also allowing space for evolution. Her students didn’t just learn the steps; they learned the essence of the art form.

A Legacy That Lives On – Vajira Chitrasena

Even though she is no longer with us, Vajira’s influence is felt every day in the world of Sri Lankan dance. Her daughters, Anjalika and Upeka, continue to carry the torch, ensuring that the Chitrasena legacy lives on. It’s a legacy not just of artistry, but of breaking boundaries, of empowering women to find their place in spaces once closed to them, and of maintaining a deep respect for tradition while embracing the future.

In life, Vajira was a quiet force—a woman who let her art speak for her. And what it said was powerful. She showed that dance was more than movement; it was expression, emotion, and culture woven together. Her performances spoke of love, strength, and grace, and those who saw her dance were forever touched by it.

Her passing leaves a void in the cultural landscape of Sri Lanka, but her spirit remains in the countless dancers she inspired, the audiences she moved, and the traditions she helped transform. Vajira Chitrasena will be remembered not just as a great dancer, but as a woman who dared to dream beyond the confines of tradition and shaped a new path for generations to come.

Her life reminds us that art, in its truest form, is timeless. Though her footsteps are no longer on the stage, her dance will forever linger in the hearts of those who had the privilege to witness her brilliance.