Biography

Pallavi Krishnan is one of the few leading Mohiniyattam exponents of the country; a gifted trainer and performer of high repute with worldwide residency/ performance credit and a choreographer of rare mettle. The leading Mohiniyattam exponent is acclaimed for her versatility as a choreographer, performer, and trainer. Known for her tremendous efforts to preserve and promote this style of dance as a living tradition, Pallavi initially got trained in Mohiniyattam and Bharatanatyam under Guru Kalamandalam Sankaranarayanan. She completed her graduation in Kathakali from Santiniketan (Viswa Bharathi University). Her love for Mohiniyattam led her from Santiniketan to Kerala Kalamandalam making her the only Indian dancer who is an alumnus of these two coveted national art academies. She continued her studies under Guru Kalamandalam Sugandhi and Guru Bharati Shivaji. As an artist, Pallavi is equally at ease in exhibiting both the abhinaya (facial expression) and adavu (technique). The perfection and quality of years' long intensive institutional training are highly discernible in every bit of her stage portrayals and movements, making her amazingly distinctive from other dancers and dance scholars. This has made her the most sought after Mohiniyattam performer and a trendsetter for many young dancers to take up this art form professionally. Her skilful choreographies, both group and solo – thematic and traditional - enriched the repertoire of Mohiniyattam. Her uncompromising teaching has attracted students from all over the world. She is a recipient of several awards including Kerala State Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for her contributions to Mohiniyattam.