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About
Harini Nilakantan is a Chicago-based professional dancer, movement artist, and choreographer, originally from Chennai, India, known for her innovative fusion of Bharatanatyam with contemporary street dance forms. She began her Bharatanatyam training at the age of four in Bangalore under Smt. Sujatha Raghavendra. Her journey continued under Smt. Usha Rahul…
Journey Timeline
Age 4
Began Bharatanatyam training — In Bangalore under Smt. Sujatha Raghavendra.
2008
Completed Arangetram — At age 9, under Smt. Usha Rahul in Pune.
2012-2013
Featured artist — At the Dasyam Festival.
2020
Joined TikTok and went viral — Her #SavageDanceChallenge with a Bharatanatyam twist gained significant followers.
2023
Earned Master's Degree — Masters in Museum and Exhibition Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Late 2024
Entered first dance battle — Began competing in street dance battles.
2025
Won Red Bull Dance Your Style Chicago City Qualifier — Became the champion of the Chicago City Qualifier.
2026
Arts India US Lotus Fellow — Selected as one of 10 emerging artists.
2026
Reached top four at Red Bull Dance Your Style Las Vegas West Qualifier — Competed in the West Qualifier.
2026
Made final eight at Red Bull Dance Your Style USA National Final — Competed in Tampa.
2023, 2024
Headliner at World of Dance Chicago — Featured performer at the event.
Photo Gallery
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Video Library
Performance videos will appear here.
Signature Performances
Signature repertoire pieces will be showcased here.
Performance Map
A world map of performances will appear here as tours are recorded.
Awards & Honors
- 2025 · RedBull Dance Your Style Chicago City Qualifier Champion — Red Bull Dance
- 2026 · Lotus Fellowship — Arts India US
- Groovy x Reveal Showcase Winner — RedBull Dance (sponsored)
Media Coverage
- Harini Nilakantan: Bharatanatyam Meets the Battle Floor
Dance Mogul Magazine
- Dance Heritage in Modern Movement : Harini Nilakantan Explains
YouTube (TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING podcast)
Dance School
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Students
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Testimonials
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Upcoming Events
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