Shantala Shivalingappa

🪔 About

Shantala Shivalingappa is a world-renowned Indian classical dancer and choreographer, primarily celebrated for her mastery of Kuchipudi. Born in Madras (now Chennai), India, she was raised in Paris, France, embodying a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultural influences. Her early education included attending the international Jeannine Manuel School in Paris. Shivalingappa's dance journey began at a tender age, initiated by her mother, Savitry Nair, an acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancer and teacher, from whom Shantala received her initial training in Bharatanatyam. Her profound dedication to Kuchipudi blossomed after being deeply inspired by the pure and graceful style of Master Vempati Chinna Satyam. She underwent intense and rigorous training under him, having her Kuchipudi arangetram at the Kalakshetra Auditorium in Chennai in 1993. Shivalingappa's career is marked by extensive international touring and a strong desire to introduce Kuchipudi to Western audiences. Beyond her classical Indian dance performances, she has had a unique artistic journey, collaborating with some of the most influential contemporary artists of her time since the age of 13. These include Maurice Béjart (in “1789…et nous”), Peter Brook (playing Miranda in “The Tempest” and Ophelia in “Hamlet”), Bartabas (in “Chimère”), Pina Bausch (in “O Dido,” “Néfès,” and “Bamboo Blues”), Ushio Amagatsu (in “Ibuki”), and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui (in the duet “Play”). Her performances are lauded for combining perfect technique with flowing grace and fine sensitivity, earning her acclaim from artists and connoisseurs across India and Europe. In recognition of her exceptional talent, Shantala Shivalingappa was awarded the prestigious “Bessie” dance award in New York City in 2013 for Outstanding Performance in her Kuchipudi solo “Shiva Ganga,” making her the first recipient to receive this award for a South Asian dance form. She continues to tour with her solo works and expand her choreographic creations in the Kuchipudi style, while also engaging in diverse artistic collaborations. Awards & Honours: Bessie Award for Outstanding Performance (2013).