V. K. Hymavathy

🪔 About

V. K. Hymavathy, popularly known as Kalamandalam Hymavathy, is a distinguished Mohiniyattam dancer and dance teacher hailing from Kerala, India. Born on October 12, 1955, in Viruppakka village, Thrissur district, to Krishna Warrier and Parvathy Warrier, her family relocated to Cheruthuruthi when she was one year old. Hymavathy began her dance journey at the tender age of five, learning dance under Chandrika and Kathakali under Sankaranarayanan Asan. She made her debut performance at Kerala Kalamandalam at the age of 12, alongside her sister Rugmini. She later joined Kerala Kalamandalam to pursue formal training in dance, completing her diploma course at 16. Her esteemed gurus at Kalamandalam included Kalamandalam Satyabhama, Leelamani, Chandrika, Padmini, and A. R. Bhaskar. 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 studied Kuchipudi under Kalamandalam Kshemavathy. Post-retirement, she continues to contribute to the arts as a Visiting Professor at Sree Sankaracharya University in Kalady. She also imparts training in Mohiniyattam at her own institution, Nrithyathapovanam, located in Cheruthuruthy. Hymavathy is recognized for her significant choreographic works, including the visualization of Narayana Guru's "Daivadasakam" with 1500 dancers. Her presentations of "Omanathingalkidavo" and "Achanum Makalum" have garnered critical acclaim. A documentary film titled "Puthu Kalathinte Natya Mohanam" has been produced on her work by V.K. Sreeraman. She resides in Srikrishnasadanam in Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur district. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2011), Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Gurupooja Award (2007), Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award (2016), Kaladarpanam Award, Kerala Kalamandalam Award (2009), Lasya Mohini (2011).