56+
Years of Experience
1+
Students Taught
1
Followers
About
Katherine Kunhiraman is a renowned figure in Indian classical dance, particularly Bharatanatyam and Kathakali, and a pioneering guru who has significantly contributed to the dissemination of these art forms in the United States. Born in 1945, she moved to India at the age of 18 in 1963, where she embarked on a twelve-year immersion in classical dance. Her…
Journey Timeline
1963
Moved to India — At age 18, with her stepfather, beginning her dance studies.
1969
Arangetram — Debut performance in Bharatakalanjali.
1970
Co-founded Kalanjali and began teaching in Berkeley, California — Moved to Berkeley with K.P. Kunhiraman and established their dance institution.
2011
Premiere of "Osiris" — Bay Area premiere of her choreographic work.
2014
Received Malonga Casquelourd Lifetime Achievement Award — Awarded by World Arts West at the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival.
2024
Received Smaran Kala Koushala award — For groundbreaking contributions to Bharatanatyam and devotion to arts for over 50 years.
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
- 2014 · Malonga Casquelourd Lifetime Achievement Award — World Arts West (San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival)
- 2024 · Smaran Kala Koushala award — Smaran Dance Festival
Media Coverage
- Who's Who: Katherine Kunhiraman
Berkeley, CA Patch
- Their classical saga
The Hindu
- Of Beauty & Deities: Music & Dance of India
Asian Pacific Islander Films
Students
Testimonials
Student & peer testimonials will appear here.
Upcoming Workshops
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