Nina Prasad

🪔 About

Dr. Neena Prasad is a celebrated Indian classical dancer, scholar, and choreographer, widely recognized as a leading contemporary exponent of Mohiniyattam, the lyrical classical dance form originating from Kerala. Her artistic approach is distinguished by a unique synthesis of rigorous academic training, profound aesthetic sensibility, and creative innovation within traditional frameworks. Dr. Prasad's foundational training encompassed multiple classical Indian dance forms. She received extensive training in Bharatanatyam for 11 years under Guru Adyar K. Lakshman. Her Kuchipudi tutelage spanned 12 years under Guru Vempati Chinnasatyam, and she trained in Kathakali for 10 years under Guru Vembayam Appukuttan Pillai. For Mohiniyattam, she trained under Guru Dr. Kalamandalam Sugandhi for eight years and Guru Kalamandalam Kshemavathi for three years. She was also an early disciple of Smt. Kalyanikutty Amma and received initial training from Ramani Sadasivan and Kalamandalam Satyabhama (junior). Academically, Dr. Prasad holds a PhD from Rabindra Bharati University, Calcutta, for her thesis titled "The concepts of Lasya and Tandava in the classical dances of South India: A detailed Study." She further pursued a post-doctoral fellowship from the AHRB Research Centre for Cross Cultural Music and Dance Performance at the University of Surrey, UK. Throughout her career, Dr. Neena Prasad has performed extensively across India and on numerous international stages, presenting both solo and ensemble productions. Her pioneering contributions have significantly enriched the movement vocabulary of Mohiniyattam, leading to the development of a distinctive style within the broader tradition. She is also acclaimed for her innovative choreography, which has expanded the boundaries of the art form and influenced new generations of artists. As an educator, she established and directs two prominent institutions dedicated to Indian classical dance: the Bharathanjali Academy of Indian Classical Dances in Thiruvananthapuram, founded in 1995, and the Sougandhika Centre for Mohiniyattam in Chennai. These academies are committed to providing high-quality instruction in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniyattam. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2021), Nritya Choodamani Award (2015), Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award (2007), Mayilpeeli Award (2013), Kerala Kalamandalam Award (2017), Nritya Choodamani Award (2024).