From a Dreaming Child to a Cultural Torchbearer—How One Woman’s Passion for Dance Is Changing Lives Across India
In a fast-paced world that often forgets its roots, one woman is making sure ancient traditions live on—not only through breathtaking performances but also by sharing them with the next generation. Dr. Vandana Supriya Kasaravalli, an acclaimed Odissi soloist, visionary arts educator, and the founder of the Anandi Arts Foundation, is more than a dancer—she is a living embodiment of heritage, emotion, and hope.
From captivating audiences with her expressive movements to bringing classical dance into government schools, her journey is one of grace, grit, and giving. Through her art, she builds bridges—between tradition and modernity, privilege and poverty, performance and purpose.
Where the Journey Began: Childhood Shaped by Creativity
Born on June 9, 1986, in Bangalore, Vandana was raised in an environment that nurtured creativity. Her parents, Yashoda and Balraj, played a crucial role in shaping her early years. They encouraged curiosity and expression—qualities that would eventually guide her to the stage.
She studied at Sita School, a progressive learning space where academics merged seamlessly with music, movement, and nature. It was here that dancing and singing became natural companions, not after-school activities but essential parts of growing up.
By the age of seven, Vandana was already mesmerized by rhythm. The sound of ghungroos and the storytelling embedded in classical dance captivated her imagination—and she never looked back.
The Nrityagram Chapter: Where Passion Met Purpose
One seemingly ordinary weekend changed the course of her life. Drawn by instinct, she boarded a bus to Nrityagram, the renowned dance Gurukul on the outskirts of Bangalore. What began as curiosity soon turned into a deep spiritual connection. Nrityagram became her sacred home, where she learned Odissi not just as a dance form, but as a way of life.
Even as she pursued her undergraduate degree in Psychology, Economics, and Sociology at Mount Carmel College, her heart remained devoted to dance. While others found clarity in textbooks, Vandana found hers in movement.
A Third Home: Natya Institute of Kathak and Choreography
The next defining chapter came at the Natya Institute of Kathak and Choreography, where she pursued a Diploma in Choreography under the mentorship of Dr. Maya Rao and Madhu Natraj. Here, she gained not only technical finesse but also emotional strength and self-belief.
This phase helped her find her own unique voice as an artist. She wasn’t just learning to dance; she was learning to speak through silence, gesture, and grace.
To deepen her artistic and physical capabilities, Vandana also trained in Kalaripayattu, the ancient Indian martial art, at Kalari Grama in Pondicherry. This discipline added a new layer of strength and agility to her performances.
The STEM Experience: Polishing the Performer Within
After her diploma, Vandana joined the STEM Dance Kampni, a space where she explored not just Odissi but other forms such as Indian contemporary, Kathak, and martial arts. This diverse training honed her versatility, giving her the freedom to explore movement across styles.
It was during this time that she truly emerged as a solo Odissi performer. The more she performed, the more she became known for her exceptional command over bhava—the emotional essence of the dance.
Anandi School of Dance: Nurturing the Next Generation
In 2013, Vandana realized it was time to give back. She founded the Anandi School of Dance with a vision to make Odissi accessible in South India, especially to children and youth who otherwise had no exposure to classical arts.
The school is now a hub for students of all ages, focusing not just on performance but also on discipline, storytelling, and cultural grounding. For many, it has become more than a dance school—it’s a sanctuary of expression.
The Anandi Arts Foundation: Dance as Social Change
Taking her mission even further, Vandana established the Anandi Arts Foundation in 2016. What began as a personal dream became a social movement. The foundation’s goal is clear: to democratize access to the arts.
A standout initiative includes the training of over 150 children from a government school in RMV 2nd Stage, Bangalore—completely free of cost. These children, many from underprivileged backgrounds, now perform Odissi with confidence and joy.
The foundation also organizes two powerful cultural festivals—ASMI and BHAAVA—that bring together budding dancers and seasoned performers, fostering mentorship and exposure.
Dance as Outreach: Collaborations and Cultural Impact
Dr. Vandana’s vision for dance extends far beyond the stage. She has collaborated with several NGOs, cultural institutions, and schools, using dance as a tool for healing, empowerment, and social awareness.
Her work touches lives that are often overlooked in the cultural mainstream. Whether it's a workshop in a village school or a performance in an urban auditorium, she brings the same dedication, passion, and poise.
As a director of arts and culture, she leads with purpose—celebrating both the classical form and the modern relevance of Indian dance.
A Family Rooted in Legacy
In 2017, Vandana married Apurva Kasaravalli, a noted filmmaker and cultural curator. He is the son of the legendary filmmaker Padma Shri Girish Kasaravalli, a pioneering force in parallel cinema, and Vaishali Kasaravalli, a highly respected theatre personality and costume designer.
Becoming a part of the Kasaravalli family brought Vandana into a lineage deeply embedded in the arts, cinema, and social change. It’s a home where conversations revolve around storytelling, aesthetics, and values.
Together, Vandana and Apurva are raising their son, Aarav Neal Kasaravalli, in a home filled with music, literature, and imagination. Their parenting reflects their shared belief that creativity, empathy, and cultural awareness are the greatest gifts one can pass on.
Educational Background: Learning Beyond the Studio
Vandana’s formal education is as diverse as her artistic training:
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Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Economics, and Sociology
Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru (2005–2008) -
Pre-University Education 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
This fusion of academic insight and artistic intuition has made her not only a brilliant performer but also a compassionate teacher and leader.
Legacy in the Making: A Life of Bhava and Balance
Ask anyone who has seen her perform, and they will tell you—Vandana doesn’t just dance, she breathes life into every movement. Her mastery of bhava, the soul of Odissi, sets her apart. Each expression, each mudra, carries meaning.
She is equally passionate about raising awareness of India’s artistic heritage, mentoring young artists, and building platforms for those who lack access. Whether on stage or in a modest schoolroom, her mission remains the same: to serve society through the sacred language of dance.
Conclusion: A Legacy Etched in Grace
From a little girl dancing under the trees to a woman who has transformed classrooms, hearts, and communities, Dr. Vandana Supriya Kasaravalli’s life is a dance of service, strength, and soul.
She is not just an Odissi dancer.
She is not just a teacher.
She is not just a cultural ambassador.
She is a torchbearer of tradition, a healer through movement, and a symbol of what it means to live a life filled with purpose.
Through every rhythm she teaches, through every child she uplifts, and through every step she takes on stage, Dr. Vandana Kasaravalli continues to prove:
When dance becomes devotion, it transforms not just the dancer, but the world around her.
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