In the vibrant cultural tapestry of India, where classical arts meet modern aspirations, one name stands out as a graceful thread that binds passion, purpose, and people — Dr. Vandana Supriya Kasaravalli. She is more than a dancer. She is a storyteller, a teacher, a mother, a mentor, and a woman of substance. Her journey from a curious child in Bangalore to a nationally recognized Odissi dancer and social changemaker is not only inspiring but also deeply human.
Born Into a World of Wonder
Dr. Vandana Supriya Kasaravalli was born on June 9, 1986, in Bangalore, Karnataka, to parents Yashoda and Balraj. From the very beginning, her childhood was filled with colors, questions, and creativity. Growing up in a home that encouraged free thinking and artistic exploration, she developed a natural inclination towards the arts.
She attended Sita School, an alternative education institution rooted in experiential learning and creativity. Here, her love for storytelling, music, and especially dance, began to blossom. Her early years were not just about textbooks and exams, but about the freedom to explore her inner voice.
A Life-Changing Bus Ride
It was a seemingly ordinary weekend when young Vandana took a bus ride that would change her life. She had heard about dance classes happening in her locality and decided to check them out. That journey took her to Nrityagram — India’s first modern Gurukul dedicated to classical dance.
It didn’t take long for her to realize that this was her calling. The sound of ankle bells, the discipline of practice, the divine beauty of Odissi—everything resonated with her soul. She joined Nrityagram as a student and soon began to immerse herself in the rigorous training, absorbing not just technique but also the spiritual essence of dance.
A Scholar and An Artist
Despite her intense commitment to dance, Vandana never compromised on her academics. She pursued her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, and Economics at Mount Carmel College, a reputed institution in Bangalore.
She then went on to earn a Diploma in Choreography in 2009 from the Natya Institute of Kathak and Choreography, under the mentorship of legendary artists like Dr. Maya Rao and Madhu Natraj. It was here that she began to see choreography as more than structure—it became a way to express personal and collective stories.
She furthered her dance training in Odissi under Guru Bichitrananda Swain, one of India’s most revered exponents of the form. She also explored Kalaripayattu, a martial art from Kerala, which strengthened her physical command and enhanced her body dynamics in performance.
Spreading Her Wings: The STEM Experience
After completing her diploma, Vandana joined STEM Dance Kampni, where she worked with contemporary Indian dance, martial arts, and Kathak. This was a transformative phase. She began performing professionally and discovered her identity as an Odissi soloist, ready to captivate audiences with grace, emotion, and storytelling.
Through STEM, she performed in various national and international festivals, gaining recognition for her unique stage presence and emotive power.
A Teacher by Heart: Anandi School of Dance
In 2013, with a heart full of vision and a deep desire to teach, Vandana founded the Anandi School of Dance in Bangalore. The school became a space where children, teenagers, and adults could experience the elegance of Odissi. But it wasn’t just about dance—it was about personal growth, confidence, and cultural pride.
She ensured that her students not only learned steps and rhythms but also understood the spiritual and emotional dimensions of dance. Her teaching is rooted in patience, storytelling, and care—a reflection of her nurturing personality.
Anandi Arts Foundation: When Art Meets Service
Not content with just teaching dance to paying students, Vandana took a bold step in 2016 and launched the Anandi Arts Foundation, a non-profit committed to using the arts for social change.
The Foundation offers free classical dance training to over 150 underprivileged students at a government school in RMV 2nd Stage, Bangalore. Most of these children had never seen a stage before, but under Vandana’s guidance, they now perform confidently in front of large audiences.
Her belief is simple: “Art belongs to everyone.” Through Anandi, she has proven that classical dance can empower the marginalized, build self-esteem in children, and even reduce school dropout rates.
Celebrating Talent: ASMI and BHAAVA
To promote young dancers and bring visibility to new talent, Vandana started two cultural events: ASMI and BHAAVA.
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ASMI is a showcase of emerging Odissi dancers who get a professional platform to perform and be mentored by experienced gurus.
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BHAAVA is a unique initiative that promotes community performances by students of the Anandi School and Foundation.
These festivals foster a sense of purpose, celebration, and community. They are more than performances—they are milestones in young lives.
A Family of Art and Cinema
Vandana’s personal life is as grounded and beautiful as her professional journey. In 2017, she married Apurva Kasaravalli, a filmmaker and theatre artist. Apurva comes from a legendary artistic family—he is the son of Padma Shri awardee Girish Kasaravalli, India’s pioneer in parallel cinema, and the renowned actress Vaishali Kasaravalli.
Vandana and Apurva share a common vision: to use the arts for societal healing, education, and awareness. Together, they continue to explore avenues that combine film, dance, and storytelling. The couple has a son, Aarav Neal Kasaravalli, who already shows signs of artistic curiosity.
Despite her busy schedule, Vandana remains a devoted mother and daughter-in-law. Her ability to balance family life with public work is a testament to her inner strength and clarity.
Achievements and Accolades
Dr. Vandana Supriya Kasaravalli has performed across India and internationally. Her expressive style, command over abhinaya, and ability to communicate complex emotions make her a favorite among audiences and critics alike.
She has received numerous accolades, including an Honorary Doctorate from the Royal Academy of Global Peace for her contributions to the arts and community welfare.
Her work is regularly featured in cultural festivals, academic seminars, and dance conferences, where she speaks about dance as a language of healing and a bridge between cultures.
Values That Define Her
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Empathy: Whether it is a six-year-old student or a teenager struggling with confidence, Vandana treats each learner with respect and care.
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Discipline: From early morning rehearsals to late-night paperwork for her foundation, she lives by a disciplined routine.
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Courage: She has broken stereotypes by making classical dance relevant to modern social issues.
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Innovation: She constantly evolves her choreography to reflect current themes, combining tradition with freshness.
Vision for the Future
Vandana’s dream is to expand Anandi Arts Foundation into a national movement. She hopes to establish satellite centers in rural areas, train more teachers, and reach children in under-resourced communities across India.
She also aims to document and digitize Odissi in a way that can be accessed by children worldwide, using technology as a tool to preserve and spread ancient wisdom.
Her ultimate mission is clear: to restore dignity, joy, and purpose in every child through the transformative power of art.
Conclusion: The Grace of a Dancer, The Heart of a Giver
In a world that often forgets the importance of art and inner beauty, Dr. Vandana Supriya Kasaravalli stands tall as a reminder that true change begins within—and then ripples outward.
She dances not for applause, but for awakening. She teaches not just movement, but meaning. And in every child she reaches, in every step she takes, and in every story she tells through dance, she leaves behind a legacy of light.
She is not just a performer. She is a movement—graceful, grounded, and glowing with purpose.
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