"After witnessing and experiencing a toxic environment in the Kuchipudi dance world—where bullying, body shaming, and unhealthy competition were all too common—I made the difficult decision to go solo at the age of 16. Touring internationally allowed me to distance myself from these harmful behaviors. But as I grew as an artist, I realized that isolation wasn’t the answer. I began having inspiring conversations with my dear friend, Isha Nager, who helped me see that the power to create a healthy and supportive group atmosphere was in my own hands.

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Determined to change the old, toxic narratives within the Kuchipudi community and bring new hope, I founded the Kritya Kuchipudi Dance Ensemble. My goal was to set a positive example for the dance world—fostering an environment where dancers could thrive together, supporting and uplifting one another. I also wanted to work with advanced-level dancers who could bring my choreographic vision to life and push the boundaries of traditional and abstract material.

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We train rigorously multiple times a week, but we make sure to prioritize joy, creativity, and camaraderie in our rehearsals. This ensemble isn’t just about perfecting technique—it’s about building a new, healthy legacy for Kuchipudi and ensuring that the dancers are as fulfilled as I am by the art we create together."