Svamini Atmananda Giri

🪔 About

Svamini Atmananda Giri, born Lilavati Kamala Devi, is an Italian-born Indian classical dancer renowned for her mastery of Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam, and also associated with Kathak. Her journey in dance began at the tender age of four, where she quickly displayed prodigious talent and dedicated herself to an intense, traditional study of Bharatanatyam. She received her foundational artistic training under the guidance of esteemed dancers and choreographers, Amma Savitri Nair and Menakshi Devi, at the Ananda Ashram in Pondicherry, India. Svamini Atmananda Giri has established a significant presence in Italy, where she leads the "TALAVIDYA International Academy of Kuchipudi and Bharata Natyam". Through this academy, she conducts courses and stages, and actively engages in giving lessons and demonstrations to students in schools and universities across Italy. Her contributions to promoting Indian classical dance in Italy are further highlighted by her participation in Turin Spirituality events in 2006, 2007, and 2008, where she conducted seminars and presented dance programs. Her artistic endeavors have also garnered media attention, leading to appearances on Italian television programs such as "Costume e Società" and "Alle Falde del Kilimangiaro". In recognition of her artistic and technical prowess, Svamini Atmananda Giri was honored with the prestigious title of Natya Kala Rani, meaning "Queen of Bharata Natyam," by the Sri Mahameru Dhyana Nilayam of Chennai. A unique aspect of her life is her monastic commitment; in July 2008, she took vows and entered the Giri monastic order. Unusually for a nun, she received authorization to continue her dance practice, which she regards as a profound form of prayer, elevating the spirit to the divine and serving as "the flower to be offered during her prayers". She resides in the Hindu Monastery, the Gitananda Ashram in Altare, Italy, where she continues her practice and study of dance, yoga, Sanskrit, and Indian philosophy, while also pursuing an oriental curriculum at the University of Turin. She regularly performs at important Hindu festivities in temples both in India and Italy. Awards & Honours: Natya Kala Rani.