Meet KJ the Canadian Dancer Who Took the Stage With Anirudh Ravichander on His World Tour

KJ is a professional Canadian Tamil dancer who gained wider recognition after performing in Anirudh Ravichander’s live concert tour. Trained across multiple dance styles, KJ brings precision, energy, and storytelling to large-scale performances, seamlessly matching the pace and intensity of stadium crowds. His work on tour brought him before global audiences across India and the diaspora, making him one of the emerging dancers shaping the modern Indian live performance scene. We are sure you will Celebrate, Explore, Connect! with KJ.

Sanskar Savvy: Can you introduce yourself and share how you first got into dancing?

KJ: My name is Kajaanan Navaratnam, also known as KJ. I was born and raised in Montreal, and I’m currently living in Toronto. I first got into dancing by performing in my Tamil class’s annual shows. What started as something I did for those performances slowly grew into a real passion as I began to enjoy moving to music and expressing myself through dance. Over time, dancing has become a significant part of who I am, helping me build confidence, improve my skills, and express myself.

Sanskar Savvy: How did you end up working with Anirudh?

KJ: I ended up working with Anirudh because I had previously worked with the assistant choreographer. Thankfully, she needed to choose dancers from Toronto for the Once Upon a Time USA tour, and that opened the door for me. It was an amazing opportunity to learn, perform, and be part of a professional project, and it really helped me grow as a dancer.

Sanskar Savvy: What is the most memorable moment from your time on the Anirudh tour?

KJ: One of the most memorable moments from the Anirudh tour was the energy from the crowds after finishing each song. Performing on a 360° stage was absolutely insane, and feeling everyone’s excitement was unreal. Another unforgettable moment was after a show when the team was celebrating in the rooms. Anirudh came by and was sharing drinks with everyone; even though I don’t drink, just being part of that celebration with him and the crew felt surreal. Those experiences really captured the excitement, camaraderie, and intensity of being on tour.

Sanskar Savvy: What does your life as a dancer involve on a day-to-day basis?

KJ: My life as a dancer is pretty unpredictable because I do a lot of independent contracts and gigs. I have rehearsals almost every evening, and I also spend time training and working out to stay strong, flexible, and ready for anything. Some days I’m learning new choreography or performing, and even though it’s random, I love the variety because it keeps me constantly learning, growing, and adapting as a performer.

Sanskar Savvy: How did the opportunity with the Raptors come your way?

KJ: The opportunity with the Raptors came through their annual auditions. I didn’t make it the first year, but I kept trying and was selected the next two times. It was an amazing feeling to finally be part of the team and perform in front of such large, energetic crowds on game night. Being part of that environment has really helped me grow as a performer.

Sanskar Savvy: What was it like working with players, media, and influencers for the Raptors?

KJ: Working with the Raptors was an incredible experience. While we don’t interact directly with the players, we have a great relationship with the hosts and the team running the game from the back end. Performing around the energy of the crowd and collaborating with media and influencers during events was amazing. 

Sanskar Savvy: What do you enjoy most about being a dancer?

KJ: What I enjoy most about being a dancer is the variety in the work I do and how social it is. I get to meet so many people from all over the world through rehearsals, performances, and projects, and every day is different.

Sanskar Savvy: What advice would you give to someone hoping to become a professional dancer?

KJ: My advice for someone hoping to become a professional dancer is to focus on training and constantly getting better, and to step out of your comfort zone by learning new styles. Challenge yourself, stay disciplined, and keep pushing your limits. If you dedicate yourself to improving every day, the jobs and opportunities will come naturally. Consistency, hard work, and passion are what really make the difference in building a career as a dancer.

KJ’s journey reflects the growing recognition of dancers as essential storytellers in live music experiences. Performing on a global stage alongside Anirudh Ravichander highlighted his technical skill and his ability to connect with diverse audiences through movement. As Indian concerts continue to scale internationally, KJ stands out as a dancer whose discipline, adaptability, and stage presence signal a promising future in the evolving landscape of live performance.

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