Keerthana Yellapragada

🪔 About

Dr. Keerthana Yellapragada is an accomplished and renowned Indian classical dancer, proficient in Kuchipudi, Odissi, and Bharatanatyam. Based in the Bay Area, California, USA, she is recognized for her energetic stage presence, grace, and performances infused with charm and spirituality. Her dance journey commenced at a young age, beginning Bharatanatyam training at five under Guru Smt. Mythili Kumar. At eight, she simultaneously started her Kuchipudi training with Guru Smt. Vaidehi Yellai. At the age of sixteen, Keerthana moved to Hyderabad, India, where she pursued a dentistry career while continuing her intensive Kuchipudi training under Guru Smt. Chavali Balatripurasundari, daughter of Padmabhusan Guru Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam. During this period, she also had the opportunity to train under Kalaratna Guru Vempati Ravi Shankar, rigorously imbibing the essence of the Vempati style of Kuchipudi. She participated in numerous prestigious productions and events in India, including renowned Kuchipudi ballets such as “Chandalika,” “Sri Krishna Parijatam,” “Rukmini Kalyanam,” and “Ksheera Sagara Madam” during her time at Abhinaya Vani Nritya Niketan. Upon returning to the United States, Keerthana actively continued her dance career alongside her dental profession. She is currently training in Odissi under the internationally renowned male Odissi exponent, Guru Sri Vishnu Tattva Das, and is also reconnecting with her Bharatanatyam roots. Keerthana is the founder and artistic director of Gayatri Natyasala, with branches in Sunnyvale, Evergreen, Santa Clara, and Fremont, California. She is dedicated to preserving the spirituality and traditions of Kuchipudi while fostering exploration, individuality, and creativity among her students.