After witnessing and experiencing a toxic environment in the Kuchipudi dance world—where bullying, body shaming, and unhealthy competition were all too common—Yamini Kalluri made the difficult decision to go solo at the age of 16. Touring internationally allowed her to distance herself from these harmful behaviors. But as she grew as an artist, Yamini realized that isolation wasn’t the answer. Yamini began having inspiring conversations with her dear friend, Isha Nager, who helped her see that the power to create a healthy and supportive group atmosphere was in her own hands.
Determined to change the old, toxic narratives within the Kuchipudi community and bring new hope, Yamini founded the Kritya Kuchipudi Dance Ensemble. Her goal was to set a positive example for the dance world—fostering an environment where dancers could thrive together, supporting and uplifting one another. She also wanted to work with advanced-level dancers who could bring her choreographic vision to life and push the boundaries of traditional and abstract material.
The Kritya Dance Ensemble trains rigorously multiple times a week, but they make sure to prioritize joy, creativity, and camaraderie in their rehearsals. This ensemble isn’t just about perfecting technique—it’s about building a new, healthy legacy for Kuchipudi and ensuring that the dancers are as fulfilled by the art they create together.
Learn more at their website: https://www.krityafoundation.org/kritya-dance-ensemble
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