Dr. Sreedhara Akkihabbalu

🪔 About

Dr. Sreedhara Akkihabbalu is a distinguished Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, and guru, known for seamlessly integrating his medical career with a profound passion for classical arts. He received his training from revered gurus, including Sangeet Natak Academy awardee Smt. Narmada and Padmabhushan Smt. Kalanidhi Narayanan. Dr. Akkihabbalu commenced his dance career in 1985 and holds the unique distinction of being the first male dancer from Karnataka to achieve the "ATop Grade Soloist" status for Television by Prasar Bharati, Government of India. Throughout his four-decade-long career, Dr. Akkihabbalu has performed extensively across India, the U.S., Canada, Australia, Europe, Bangladesh, Singapore, and Dubai. He has collaborated with prominent Bharatanatyam exponents such as Hema Malini, Padmini Ravi, Prathibha Prahlad, Swapna Sundari, Uma Rao, and Bhanumati. His artistic vision has led to the creation of numerous acclaimed productions, including "Ramayana," "Shakti," "Radha Madhava," "Vikramorvashiyam," "Purandara Dasa," "Yoga Vibhuti," "Gita Govinda," and "Shataka Traya". Beyond performance and choreography, Dr. Akkihabbalu is also recognized for his contributions to music composition, having recorded and released significant works tailored for Bharatanatyam, featuring compositions by Jayachamrajendra Wodeyar, Padmacharan, and traditional Kannada Javalis. In 2006, Dr. Akkihabbalu founded Kaveri Natya Yoga in the United States, primarily based in San Antonio, Texas, with additional branches in Austin, Leander, and George Town. Through this institution, he is dedicated to promoting the Pandanallur style of Bharatanatyam and Iyengar Yoga. He has mentored over 50 students who have gone on to perform professionally. Awards & Honours: ATop Grade Soloist, Junior Dance Fellowship, Senior Dance Fellowship.