In a world that’s racing toward the future, it is rare to find someone reaching back—to preserve, revive, and pass forward ancient traditions. But Dr. Vandana Supriya Kasaravalli is doing just that. An acclaimed Odissi soloist, visionary educator, and the founder of the Anandi Arts Foundation, she has turned her childhood dream into a nationwide movement that is changing lives, one graceful step at a time.
This is not just the story of a dancer—it’s the story of a woman who dared to let art guide her, who built bridges between heritage and modernity, and who continues to inspire hundreds of young lives through the power of performance and purpose.
A Childhood Blooming with Creativity
Born on June 9, 1986, in Bangalore, Vandana grew up in a household where imagination was encouraged and creativity thrived. Her parents, Yashoda and Balraj, created an environment where curiosity was celebrated. She was never told to sit still—she was asked to explore, express, and evolve.
She attended Sita School, a progressive educational space where music, dance, and nature were not mere co-curricular activities—they were woven into the fabric of daily learning. Here, Vandana didn’t just study; she blossomed. Singing and dancing came as naturally as reading and writing.
By age seven, she was completely captivated by rhythm, storytelling, and the deep emotional language of classical dance. The ghungroos became her heartbeat, and she knew even then—this was not a passing interest. This was a calling.
The Transformative Journey to Nrityagram
It was a quiet weekend when destiny took the front seat. Vandana, moved by an inner pull, boarded a bus to Nrityagram, the world-renowned dance Gurukul outside Bangalore. What she discovered there wasn’t just a dance school—it was a temple of tradition, discipline, and soul.
Nrityagram became her second home. Under the ancient trees and rigorous routines, she began her formal journey into Odissi, learning not just movements, but the meaning behind every mudra and the silence between each step. The Gurukul’s immersive lifestyle deepened her spiritual connection to dance, shaping not only her skills but her character.
While she pursued her undergraduate studies in Psychology, Economics, and Sociology at Mount Carmel College, her heart never left Nrityagram. For her, the lecture halls and dance studios were extensions of one another.
Sculpting a New Language of Movement: Natya Institute & Kalaripayattu
The next chapter of Vandana’s journey took her to the prestigious Natya Institute of Kathak and Choreography. Here, she earned a Diploma in Choreography under the guidance of legends like Dr. Maya Rao and Madhu Natraj. This phase refined her technical skills and helped her find her individual voice as an artist.
Her training was further enriched by a deep dive into Kalaripayattu at Kalari Grama in Pondicherry. The ancient martial art added an unexpected layer of power, balance, and focus to her performances—turning her into not just a dancer, but a warrior of grace.
Finding Versatility and Voice at STEM Dance Kampni
At the STEM Dance Kampni, Vandana’s journey took a multidimensional turn. Here, she explored Indian contemporary dance, Kathak, and martial arts. This blend of styles made her more versatile, expanding her movement vocabulary and creative expression.
It was during this time that she began to shine as a solo Odissi performer. Audiences were mesmerized by her command over bhava—the essence of emotion. She didn’t just perform pieces; she lived them. Every glance, every gesture told a story that touched hearts.
Building Something Bigger: Anandi School of Dance
In 2013, Vandana took a bold step. She founded the Anandi School of Dance—a space committed to making Odissi accessible to young people in South India. This was not just about training dancers; it was about shaping citizens rooted in culture, storytelling, and self-expression.
Today, the school is a thriving space of learning, laughter, and rhythm. Children and adults from various backgrounds come together not just to dance, but to feel seen, heard, and empowered. For many, it is more than a school; it’s a home.
Anandi Arts Foundation: When Dance Becomes Social Change
In 2016, Vandana’s mission expanded. She launched the Anandi Arts Foundation, a non-profit that uses classical dance as a tool for social change. Through this initiative, she began bringing Odissi into government schools, slums, and underserved communities.
One of the foundation’s proudest achievements is the training of over 150 children at a government school in RMV 2nd Stage, Bangalore—completely free of cost. Children who had never seen a stage now perform with confidence, carrying stories of tradition with pride.
The Foundation also organizes two cultural festivals—ASMI and BHAAVA—which bring together emerging artists and seasoned professionals in a space of mentorship, visibility, and celebration.
“Shurpanakhi”: Reclaiming the Forgotten Through Art
In 2022, Dr. Vandana Supriya Kasaravalli unveiled one of her boldest projects yet—a dance-theatre production titled Shurpanakhi. Unlike traditional narratives that paint Shurpanakhi as a demoness, this production reimagines her as a complex woman full of longing, rage, and resilience.
Performed entirely in Kannada, Shurpanakhi blends the lyrical beauty of Odissi with the dramatic vigor of Yakshagana. The production also includes a unique collaboration with Yakshagana artist Sri Tunga, who plays Shurpanakhi’s confidant—a role not found in classical texts but imagined to give her emotional depth.
Premiering at Seva Sadan, Malleswaram, the show has now toured across India with over 50 performances. Audiences have praised it for its emotional power, stunning choreography, and its ability to spark critical dialogue about empathy and identity.
Bridging Institutions, Communities, and Generations
Dr. Vandana’s reach goes far beyond her own organizations. She actively collaborates with NGOs, schools, and cultural institutions to use dance for healing, empowerment, and education. Her workshops have reached children in rural schools, women in urban shelters, and even professionals seeking emotional release through movement.
Her passion isn’t limited to preserving tradition—it’s about adapting it for today. She uses Odissi to raise awareness on issues like gender sensitivity, mental health, and cultural erasure.
A Life Rooted in Legacy and Love
In 2017, Vandana married Apurva Kasaravalli, a filmmaker and cultural curator. Apurva comes from a family deeply rooted in the arts—his father is the legendary Padma Shri Girish Kasaravalli, a pioneer of parallel cinema, and his mother, Vaishali Kasaravalli, was an iconic theatre personality and costume designer.
Together, Vandana and Apurva are nurturing a creative household for their son, Aarav Neal Kasaravalli—one that’s filled with music, literature, and storytelling. It is a continuation of two powerful legacies—carried forward with empathy and imagination.
Education: A Foundation as Strong as Her Footwork
Dr. Vandana’s formal education is as vibrant as her artistic journey:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Economics, and Sociology
Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru (2005–2008)
Pre-University Studies in History, Economics, Political Science, and Sociology
Vijaya Bharathi PU College, Bengaluru (2003–2005)
Diploma in Choreography
Natya Institute of Kathak and Choreography (2009)
Honorary Doctorate in Arts and Culture
Royal Academy of Global Peace
Her academic training gives her an edge—she approaches dance not just as art, but as psychology, sociology, and activism combined.
An Artist of Bhava, A Teacher of Balance
Whether she is performing on stage or teaching in a modest classroom, Vandana brings the same intensity, humility, and devotion. Her style is rooted in bhava—the emotional soul of Odissi. She believes that dance is not just physical movement but emotional communication.
She teaches her students that grace is not about perfection—it is about presence. Her mentorship has shaped hundreds of young dancers, many of whom now teach and perform across the world.
Social Media and Digital Outreach
Dr. Vandana is also making her mark in the digital world. Through social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, she shares glimpses of rehearsals, performances, student journeys, and upcoming festivals.
These platforms have allowed her to connect with a wider audience—from art lovers in remote towns to diaspora communities seeking cultural reconnection.
The Legacy in Motion
Dr. Vandana Supriya Kasaravalli is a dancer, teacher, visionary, and changemaker. She is living proof that classical dance is not a relic of the past—it is a powerful tool for today and tomorrow.
She is changing the face of Indian arts education—not by making it elite but by making it accessible. Her work is proof that tradition and innovation are not opposites—they are partners in progress.
Final Steps: Dancing Toward a Better World
From a curious child to a cultural torchbearer, Vandana’s journey is a masterpiece in motion. Her steps carry not only rhythm but also responsibility. Every performance is a prayer, every classroom a revolution.
Through her tireless dedication, she has built something rare: a life where art and activism walk hand in hand. And with every young dancer she mentors, every myth she reinterprets, and every festival she curates, she proves one truth again and again:
When dance becomes devotion, it doesn’t just transform the dancer. It transforms the world.
