Our Story
About Kalakriti Dance
Dedicated to preserving and propagating the sacred art of Bharatanatyam through authentic instruction, cultural immersion, and artistic excellence.
Kalakriti School of Dance
The school was established in 2016 to preserve rich cultural heritage by promoting classical arts through teaching and building meaningful collaborations with eminent artists. The school strives to create the environment for learners to develop discipline, dedication and passion for their art. This is achieved through a holistic education that combines in-depth instruction in the practice of the art form with applicable theory and imparting the rich Indian culture. The school has physical locations in the northwest suburbs of Chicago (Mount Prospect, near Metra) and in the suburbs of New Jersey (Old bridge NJ), in addition to offering online classes.
Kalakriti Dance Company
We are redefining the boundaries of Bharatanatyam by weaving tradition with transformation. We explore bold, contemporary expressions that speak to today's audiences while honoring centuries of heritage.
We bring Bharatanatyam into new spaces—blending multimedia, storytelling, and cross-cultural collaboration.
We are storytellers, educators, and cultural bridges. Every performance is a conversation between the past and the future, the classical and the experimental.
Notable Productions:
- 2018 – Ayardha Maya: A creative exploration of divine intervention, expressed through playful and imaginative choreography.
- 2020 – Rasa: A powerful introspection into inner emotional landscapes, delving into the essence of expression through classical dance.
- 2021 – Prakriti: A celebration of the five fundamental elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—interpreted through movement and rhythm.
- 2022 – Janani: A heartfelt tribute to the divine feminine and the nurturing spirit of motherhood, portrayed with grace and reverence.
- 2023 – Sai Mahatmyam: A spiritually resonant performance inspired by the life and teachings of Sai Baba, evoking devotion and reflection.
- 2023 – Maya: A philosophical take on the concept of illusion, questioning the nature of reality through expressive storytelling in dance.
- 2023 – Dwita: A captivating jugalbandi (duet) that brought together the classical forms of Kathak and Bharatanatyam in a rich dialogue of rhythm and expression.
- 2024 – Nritya Samarpana: An elegant fusion of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, showcasing the nuanced interplay between these two South Indian classical traditions.
Through these collaborative efforts, the company has continually pushed creative boundaries while staying rooted in classical traditions, offering audiences meaningful and memorable dance experiences.
Smt. Ramya Ravi
Smt. Ramya Ravi is the co-founder and artistic director of Kalakriti School of Dance. A dedicated Bharatanatyam artist, choreographer, and teacher with over 3 decades of experience, her training began at age five under Smt. Chandrakala Jaganathan and later with Smt. Padma of Natyakala Saraswathi, specializing in the Tanjore style.
After her Arangetram in 1998, Ramya performed lead roles in acclaimed productions like Saptha Thandavam and Thri-Shakthi, earning titles such as Nrithya Niranjani and Natya Chudaroli. Certified by the Government of Tamil Nadu, she continues her advanced training in Nattuvangam and Kuchipudi, embodying a lifelong commitment to learning.
At Kalakriti, she is not just a teacher but a mentor and visionary, known for her original choreographies and storytelling. Her work has been featured in respected platforms including See Chicago Dance, Chicago Human Rhythm Project, and the AIPDA Arts Festival. As leader of Kalakriti's professional company, she brings classical dance to diverse audiences, blending tradition with innovation and deep cultural insight.
Smt. Divya Ravi
Smt. Divya Ravi is a passionate Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, and educator whose artistic journey began at the age of six. Her foundational training was under the revered Natyakala Saraswati Smt. Padma, through whom she developed a strong grounding in the traditional Tanjore style. Divya has successfully completed both the Lower and Higher Grade examinations in Bharatanatyam certified by the Government of Tamil Nadu, affirming her technical proficiency and deep understanding of the art form. She is especially known for her evocative storytelling and nuanced choreography—often blending intricate abhinaya with traditional repertoire to create immersive performances.
Divya has performed extensively in both India and the United States, collaborating with fellow classical and cross-disciplinary artists.
Her vision as an artist is to carry forward the rich legacy of Bharatanatyam while making it accessible, meaningful, and inspiring to the next generation of dancers and rasikas.
