Hema Sundari Vellaluru

🪔 About

Hema Sundari Vellaluru, born on August 25, 1984, is a prominent Indian classical dancer, teacher, and choreographer with a diverse background in both traditional and contemporary dance forms. She commenced her dance training at the tender age of five, initially learning Bharatanatyam under the tutelage of Smt. Leelavathy. Her artistic journey evolved as she transitioned to Kuchipudi, receiving guidance from Kalashree Smt. Vyjayanthi Kashi. Vellaluru's training also encompassed various folk dance forms, including Rajasthani, Andhra, and Kannada, during her time at Shambhavi School of Dance in Bangalore. Her performance career began at the age of 13 under Smt. Vyjayanthi Kashi, leading to over two hundred dance performances as part of the Shambhavi School of Dance. Hema Sundari Vellaluru further expanded her artistic horizons by delving into contemporary dance with the Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts, where she served as a dancer for three years. During this period, she received comprehensive training in Kalaripayattu, Yoga, Pilates, Bharatanatyam, and Capoeira, and participated in numerous international performances as part of Attakkalari's repertory company. She has also performed internationally as a freelance contemporary dancer with various choreographers. As an educator, Vellaluru began assisting her teachers in workshops and regular classes from the age of fifteen, developing a detailed teaching methodology. She has taught extensively to children in India and Europe. Her significant contributions include a key role in Attakkalari's education outreach program, where she conducted workshops in contemporary dance and Kalaripayattu. She has also taught dance workshops to children aged 3-5 and 10-15 in numerous regional and international schools in Bangalore, including Parikrma Center for Learning, India International School, and Vidyashilp Academy. Internationally, she has led workshops at events such as the Drama for Life Festival at the University of Johannesburg, Connections Dance Festival in Aarhus, Dansensdage in Copenhagen, and for an Ice Skaters group in Feltre, Italy. She is also responsible for curriculum design for early to grade four students, instructing various dance styles and choreographing school performances. Vellaluru is also an accomplished choreographer, with many works tailored for children in Bangalore schools. Her first individual choreographic work, "Project 3," premiered in April 2013, exploring the connection between Indian classical and contemporary dance. In July 2016, she developed "Right to Dance," a performance for an underprivileged school in Bangalore, focusing on the experiences of schoolchildren. Awards & Honours: Junior Examination in Bharatanatyam, Junior Examination in Kuchipudi, Certificate of Participation for Professional Dance Development Course.