Guru Dr. Uma Kallakuri

🪔 About

Guru Dr. Uma Kallakuri is an internationally renowned figure in Indian Classical Dance, with a career spanning over four decades. She is celebrated as a soloist, performer par excellence, master choreographer, senior teacher, dance historian, and published author. Dr. Kallakuri is an Empanelled Artist of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Government of India, and holds an 'A' grade artist status with the Indian National Television network. She earned her PhD in a Comparative Study on Dance and Yoga from the prestigious Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University in Hyderabad, India. Her pioneering research led to the development of a New Technique for “Natyayoga” (Yoga of Dance), based on the ancient Indian dramaturgy text, “Natyasastra.” Her published book, “Natyayoga,” is an approved textbook at the university level. Dr. Kallakuri also holds two Master of Art degrees in English and History. Known for preserving and performing special items from temple traditions, she is one of the few dancers who can draw pictures of a lion and peacock with her feet while dancing. Her extensive training includes rigorous tutelage under legendary gurus such as Vempati Kodanda Rama Sastry, A.U.R. Somayajulu, Dr. K. Uma Ramarao, and C.R. Acharya, in classical forms like Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, and Temple dances. She was recognized as a child prodigy, winning a gold medal in All India Dance Competitions. Currently, Dr. Kallakuri teaches the “Indian Classical Dance/Dramatic Performance Course” at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL, and conducts various short and long-term courses at universities in both the USA and India. She also provides individual and group lessons at her “Nrityamala Dance Academy” in Bloomington, IL. With over 1000 performances to her credit, she has performed extensively across India, Sultanate of Oman, U.A.E, Japan, and the U.S.A. Awards & Honours: Gold medal, Best Teacher award, SINGARMANI.