Founded by Yamini Kalluri, the Kritya Dance Ensemble is an initiative for serious and dedicated Kuchipudi dancers to train in a conservatory-style environment and perform professionally. The ensemble nurtures excellence in the classical Kuchipudi tradition while embracing innovation, preparing dancers to represent the art form on global stages with both authenticity and artistry.

Current Ensemble Dancers:

Arohi Dandawate

Postgraduate Research Associate at Yale in Computational Psychiatry and a trained classical pianist.

Akhila Ballari

Software Developer at YouTube.

Shruthi Ailneni

Software Developer at Delta Dental Michigan.

Sushma Gurram

Kuchipudi dance instructor based in Dallas.

Sunayana Jampanaboyana

Program Consultant Lead at Kritya Foundation and ensemble dancer.

Together, these dancers bring a unique blend of professional expertise and artistic dedication, embodying Kritya’s mission to shape Kuchipudi practitioners who are not only technically rigorous but also intellectually and creatively expansive.