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Yamini Kalluri, an internationally acclaimed Kuchipudi dancer, has been recognized as one of the youngest sensations in the classical dance world, with interviews featured in The New York Times and on BBC Radio in 2016. Her unique artistry blends tradition with contemporary influences, rooted in her formal training at Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University and in ballet and modern dance at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance.
As a former instructor at the prestigious Mark Morris Dance Center and Martha Graham School, Yamini's teaching reflects her commitment to elevating Kuchipudi on the global stage. She is the visionary founder of the Kritya Foundation and its ensemble, fostering an environment for bold experimentation while preserving Kuchipudi’s classical essence. |
About
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Yamini Kalluri, a celebrated Kuchipudi dancer, choreographer, and educator, represents the future of classical dance with her innovative blend of tradition and contemporary influence. Based in the US and India, her journey began under the tutelage of Padmasri Dr. Sobha Naidu in Hyderabad, where she displayed exceptional talent early on. Furthering her dance education with a Bachelor's degree in Humanities & Social Sciences from Indira Gandhi National Open University, she also trained in ballet and modern dance at the prestigious Martha Graham School.
Yamini's unique approach combines the rich traditions of Kuchipudi with the influences of ballet and modern dance, culminating in an artistic expression that transcends cultural boundaries. As the Founder of Kritya School of Dance, The Kritya Ensemble, and Kritya Dance Company, she is deeply committed to teaching, choreographing, and developing original musical compositions that resonate with a global audience. Her work has been showcased at renowned venues like Symphony Space and Mechanics Hall, and she has collaborated with acclaimed artists such as Vijay Gupta, Reena Esmail, and Sunny Jain. Her career has been marked by accolades and recognition, including being interviewed by The NY Times and BBC Radio in 2016 as the youngest Kuchipudi sensation, a testament to her pioneering contributions to the field. As an educator, Yamini has been invited to teach at prestigious institutions like the Mark Morris Dance Center and the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance, bringing her expertise to a new generation of dancers. Yamini's choreographic commissions with the Asian American Ballet Project and Music Worcester showcase her visionary approach to blending cultural traditions with contemporary narratives. She is also a recipient of the Pandit Jasraj Scholarship from Pt. Jasraj himself and the Katta Sarojini Devi Gold Medal from her Guru, highlighting her commitment to artistic excellence. Her work through Kritya serves as a platform for challenging experimentation, where dancers and musicians alike can immerse themselves in the search for their truest forms of expression. Inspired by legends like Vempati Chinnasatyam, Rukmini Devi Arundale, Akram Khan, and Bijayini Satpathy, Yamini remains a dynamic force in redefining Kuchipudi for the modern world while preserving its core essence. Yamini has recently deepened her immersion in Carnatic music, training in vocal music under Asha Ramesh in the Bay Area. As the head of the Kritya Music Orchestra, she actively engages in music arrangement and composition for dance. In her pursuit of rhythmic mastery, she is also undergoing intensive training in Carnatic Mridangam under Harsha Mandayam Bharathi, recognizing rhythm as the heartbeat of dance. Inspired by the legendary T. Balasaraswati, Yamini aspires to refine her musical expertise to enrich her dance practice. Yamini has recently begun training in Bharatanatyam under the esteemed dancing duo Renjith and Vijna in Chennai, seeking to immerse herself in their profound artistry, thought process, and unique philosophy of dance. She is deeply committed to engaging with the greatest minds in Indian classical music, dance, and global traditions to enrich both the Kuchipudi tradition and her personal practice. A lifelong student at heart, Yamini remains dedicated to continuously learning, staying humble, and contributing to the ever-flowing river of wisdom and knowledge. Yamini Kalluri champions the art of Kuchipudi worldwide through her non-profit, Kritya Foundation! As curator of the NY Kuchipudi Dance Festival and through unforgettable performances and groundbreaking collaborations with the Kritya Ensemble, Yamini preserves this rich tradition. Her teaching under Kritya Foundation empowers the next generation, blending passion and heritage. Explore more at KrityaFoundation.org |
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