Mythili Prakash

🪔 About

Mythili Prakash is an acclaimed American dancer and choreographer specializing in Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form originating in Southern India. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, she began her training at the age of four under the tutelage of her mother, Bharatanatyam exponent Viji Prakash, at the Shakti School of Bharata Natyam. Hailed as a child prodigy, Mythili made her solo debut in India at eight and has since performed extensively across the United States, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, India, and Singapore, at prestigious venues such as Sadler's Wells, the Music Academy in Chennai, and Jacob's Pillow. Prakash's artistic approach is characterized by its classical roots combined with an inventive vision, revitalizing the physicality, musicality, and expressive theatricality of Bharatanatyam. Her work often confronts socio-political global issues, questioning cultural and social norms, and pushing the boundaries of the art form, particularly concerning femininity and aesthetics. She has furthered her training with legendary stalwarts including Malavika Sarukkai (India) and Akram Khan (UK), the latter of whom nominated her as "Choreographer of the Future" for Dance Umbrella's Four by Four Commissions in 2019. Her career highlights include being featured as a Bharatanatyam soloist on NBC's Superstars of Dance in 2009, introducing the form to global audiences. She also made a cameo appearance in Ang Lee's award-winning film *Life of Pi* as the titular character's wife and served as a choreography assistant for the film. As a principal dancer with the Akram Khan Company, she toured internationally in *Outwitting the Devil* (2019–2022) and is slated for *Gigenis* (2024–2025). Prakash continues to tour her original works, including *She's Auspicious*, *AR | DHA*, and *Jwala*, bringing her distinct choreographic voice to audiences worldwide. While she leads dance camps at her mother's Shakti School of Bharata Natyam, there is no documented academy founded by Mythili Prakash herself. Awards & Honours: Devdasi National Award (2011), Nadanamaamani Award from Karthik Fine Arts (2009), Yuva Kala Bharati from Bharat Kalachar (2007), Sanskriti Nrithya Puraskar of Sanatan Sangeet Sanskriti (2007), Chandrasekharan Endowment Concert at Music Academy (2007), Creation to Performance grant from the Irvine Dance Foundation, Artistic Innovation grant from the Center for Cultural Innovation, United States Artists Fellow (2023), United States Artists Fellowship recipient (2024), National Dance Award for Best Short Dance Film (nomination for Mollika) (2025), Sky Arts Artist Development program in collaboration with Akram Khan Company, National Dance Project touring grant from NEFA (for She's Auspicious) (2021), Choreographer of the Future (nominated by Akram Khan for Dance Umbrella's Four by Four Commissions) (2019).