Katherine Kunhiraman (née Siebel)
Kathakali Performer • Teacher
56+
Years of Experience
1+
Students Taught
1
Followers
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Katherine Kunhiraman, born Katherine Siebel, is a prominent figure in Indian classical dance, recognized for her contributions to Bharatanatyam and Kathakali. Her journey into Indian classical dance began in 1963 when, at the age of 18, she moved to Kolkata, India, with her stepfather, who was an advisor for India's Fourth Five-Year Plan through the Ford…
Journey Timeline
1963
Moved to India — At age 18, with her stepfather who worked for the Ford Foundation.
1966
Joined Kalakshetra — Began studying Bharatanatyam and Kathakali.
1969
Arangetram — First arangetram at Bharatakalanjali.
1970
Moved to Berkeley, California — Began teaching and performing Indian classical dance with K.P. Kunhiraman.
1975
Co-founded Kalanjali — Established the Indian classical dance school in Berkeley.
2011
Choreographed "Osiris" — A dance-drama set to Carnatic music.
2014
Received Lifetime Achievement Award — From World Arts West, producers of the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival.
2024
Received Smaran Kala Koushala award — From Smaran Dance Festival.
Photo Gallery
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Video Library
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Signature Performances
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Performance Map
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Awards & Honors
- 2014 · Malonga Casquelourd Lifetime Achievement Award — World Arts West
- 2014 · Lifetime Achievement Award — World Arts West, producers of the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival
- 2024 · Smaran Kala Koushala award — Smaran Dance Festival
Media Coverage
- Who's Who: Katherine Kunhiraman
Berkeley, CA Patch
- Discovering Traditions Outside Our Own Communities
Dancers' Group
- Smaran Awards 2024
Smaran Dance Festival 2024
- Of Beauty & Deities
Asian Pacific Islander Films
Dance School
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Students
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