Kalamandalam Hymavathy

🪔 About

V. K. Hymavathy, popularly known as Kalamandalam Hymavathy, is a distinguished Mohiniyattam dancer and teacher from Kerala, India. Born on October 12, 1955, in Viruppakka village, Thrissur district, Kerala, she began her dance training at the age of five under Chandrika, also learning Kathakali from Sankaranarayanan Asan. She joined Kerala Kalamandalam, a premier institution for performing arts, where she pursued her diploma in dance under eminent gurus such as Kalamandalam Satyabhama, Leelamani, Chandrika, Padmini, and A. R. Bhaskar, completing her studies at 16. Hymavathy dedicated over three decades to Kerala Kalamandalam, joining as an instructor in 1975 and retiring in 2011 as the Head of the Department of Mohiniyattam. During her tenure, she also expanded her expertise by studying Kuchipudi under Kalamandalam Kshemavathy. After her retirement, she continued her academic contributions as a Visiting Professor at Sree Sankaracharya University in Kalady. Kalamandalam Hymavathy has performed extensively both within India and internationally, often as part of the Kalamandalam troupe. Her performances of 'Omanathingalkidavo' by Iriyimmanthambi and 'Achanum Makalum' by Vallathol Narayana Menon have garnered critical acclaim. A documentary film, "Puthu Kalathinte Natya Mohanam," has been produced on her work by V.K. Sreeraman. She currently imparts training in Mohiniyattam at her own institution, Nrithyathapovanam, located in Cheruthuruthy. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2011), Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Gurupooja Award (2007), Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award (2016), Kaladarpanam Award, Lasyamohini Award from Kerala Kalamandalam (2011), Kerala Kalamandalam Award (2009).