Kalaimamani Kuttalam M. Selvam was born in 1950 in the village of Kuttalam, in Tamil Nadu, into a family of musicians and nathuvanars (traditional dance masters).

His father, the renowned Kalaimamani VS Muthuswami Pillai, was the first Indian artist to be awarded the title of ‘Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres’ in France. Immersed in dance and music from an early age, Selvam learnt the art of Bharatanatyam from his grandfather and father.
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He has developed a unique style all his own, creating original adavus and jethis (dance steps, figures and sequences); an innovator in rhythmic expression and spatial movement, he creates distinctive choreographies whilst preserving the tradition and devotional nature of this art form.

In his teaching, he creates a unique repertoire for each of his pupils, highlighting their individual abilities and distinctive dynamics.​
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Mr Selvam passed away in 2025; he was teaching at the Bharata Kalalaya Dance School, 7 East Mada Street, Mylapore 600 004, Chennai.
He leaves behind a loving family, students in India and elsewhere, and our memories of his boundless creativity, his love and devotion to the art of dance.​

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)