Leela Samson is a renowned Indian classical dancer and choreographer. She is primarily associated with which classical dance style?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests knowledge of important Indian classical dancers and the styles they represent. Leela Samson is a widely respected artist, teacher, and choreographer who has headed national cultural institutions and promoted classical dance across the world. For culture and performing arts questions, it is essential to link such artists correctly to their dance traditions.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The artist named is Leela Samson.
- She is described as a renowned Indian classical dancer and choreographer.
- The options list four major classical dance forms: Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, and Odissi.
- We assume standard cultural and exam oriented references where her main style is clearly stated.

Concept / Approach:
Leela Samson is best known for her expertise in Bharatanatyam, the classical dance form that developed in Tamil Nadu. She trained under famous gurus and later became an influential teacher and institution head. The approach is to remember that although she may appreciate many dance styles, her core identity and contributions in the arts world are strongly tied to Bharatanatyam. Therefore, the correct answer is the dance style most closely linked to Tamil temple and stage traditions, not the other regional forms listed.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise the name Leela Samson as that of a well known Indian classical dancer. Step 2: Recall from cultural studies that she is associated mainly with Bharatanatyam. Step 3: Review the options and locate Bharatanatyam among them. Step 4: Note that Kathakali is associated with Kerala, Kuchipudi with Andhra Pradesh, and Odissi with Odisha, while Leela Samson is not primarily linked with these forms. Step 5: Select Bharatanatyam as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can confirm this by thinking of interviews, biographies, or cultural programmes that introduce Leela Samson as a Bharatanatyam exponent. She has also headed institutions that promote Bharatanatyam training and performance, reinforcing this association. None of the standard references describe her as a Kathakali, Kuchipudi, or Odissi specialist, so this cross check supports the choice of Bharatanatyam.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Kathakali: A stylised dance drama from Kerala known for elaborate makeup and masks, associated with different artists and gurus.
Kuchipudi: A classical dance form from Andhra Pradesh, not the primary field of Leela Samson.
Odissi: Classical dance from Odisha with its own noted exponents, but not the main style of Leela Samson.

Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes learners remember that an artist has performed in multiple contexts and wrongly assume they must be experts in more than one classical form. Others may confuse names of artists and their styles, especially when revising many at once. The best strategy is to build a small list of pairings such as Leela Samson with Bharatanatyam, Kelucharan Mohapatra with Odissi, and Yamini Krishnamurthy with Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, so that these associations become clear and fixed.

Final Answer:
Leela Samson is primarily associated with the classical dance style of Bharatanatyam.