Elam Endira Devi Biography 
Elam Endira Devi is an Indian classical dancer associated with Manipuri dance. She is a recipient of Padmashree Award in the field of Dance. She has trained numerous students and has also played a great role in promoting Manipuri dance form. She expertise in the genres of Lai Haraoba and Raas. Endira Devi has also participated in many ballets and dance dramas, and has also choreographed many production works. She founded the Meitei Traditional Dance Teaching School and Performing Centre in Imphal in 1993, and serves as its director since then. She is a Life Member of the UNESCO Club Association of India since 2009, and also holds many honorable positions in the field of art and culture.
Elam Endira Devi was born on September 1, 1954 at Khwai Nagamapal Singjubung Leirak, Imphal, Manipur. Elam Bidhumani Singh and Elam Rosomani Devi are her parents. She started learning Manipuri dance form at the early age of only eight, under the tutelage of Guru Lourembam Amuyaima Singh. Later she got opportunity to learn this dance form from some of the renowned gurus of the second half of 20th century. Some of the big names include - R. K. Akesana, Padmashree Maisnam Amubi Singh,[4] Thingbaijam Babu Singh and Thiyam Tarunkumar Singh.
Later she joined JN Manipur Dance Academy, Imphal for the Diploma course in Manipuri dance, where she continued learning under R. K. Priyogopal Sana, Yumshanbi Maibi, Thambalngou, Ng Kumar Maibi and Haobam Nganbi, and completed the course in 1967. She was also regular in academics, and completed Master’s in Manipuri Culture and Literarture, in 1979, from Guwahati University. She has also appeared in national award winning movie, Matamgi Manipur in 1972. She has given many solo performances since 1970s.
Published: September 12, 2018
Updated: September 12, 2018
