Pallavi Krishnan

A leading Mohiniyattam exponent, Pallavi Krishnan is acclaimed for her versatility as a performer, choreographer and trainer. Known for her tremendous efforts to promote and preserve this style of dance as a living tradition, Pallavi initially got trained in Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam and Kathakali under Guru Kalamandalam Sankaranarayanan. She completed her graduation in Dance (Kathakali) from Santiniketan (Viswa Bharathi University). Her passion for Mohiniyattam led her from Santiniketan to Kerala Kalamandalam. She did her Post Graduation (M.A.) in Mohiniyattam from Kerala Kalamandalam and this makes her the only Indian dancer who is an alumnus of these two coveted national arts academies.

She continued her studies under Guru Bharati Shivaji and Guru Kalamandalam Sugandhi. As an artiste, Pallavi is equally at ease in exhibiting both the adavu (technic) and abhinaya (facial expression). The quality and perfection of years' long intensive institutional training is highly discernible in every bit of her movements and stage portrayals making her amazingly distinctive from other dancers opine critics and dance scholars. This has made her the most sought after Mohiniyattam performer and a trendsetter for many young dancers to take up this art form professionally. Her skilful choreographies, both solo and group – traditional and thematic- enriched the repertoire of Mohiniyattam.

Her uncompromising teaching has attracted students from all over the world. She is a recipient of several honours including Kerala State Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for her contributions to Mohiniyattam.