Kritya Foundation
Supporting holistic development and self-confidence through dance
There is so much more to Indian classical dance than the physical display. Students enjoy exercises in storytelling, self-expression, mythology, spirituality, and development of self. At Kritya we aim to bring forth the truest expression of each student as a dancer and an artist.
Spring Semester
2026
February 17 - June 12, 2026
Open to All Ages and Levels, via Zoom
Kritya's Spring 2026 semester offers structured Kuchipudi training grounded in classical rigor and expanded through a contemporary, process-driven pedagogy.
Time Zone & Access
All classes are held in U.S. Eastern Time (ET) and conducted on Zoom. Enrollment is open to students worldwide—join from any location.
Important Dates
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Classes begin on Tuesday, February 17 - ORIENTATION DAY for all Kritya Students
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No Class on U.S. Holidays:
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April 3-10, 2026 (Spring Break)
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May 25, 2026 (Memorial Day)
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Semester Ends: Friday, June 12, 2026
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Hybrid Student Showcase: June 19-20, 2026 in Chicago
Tuition & Passes
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Drop-In: $35 per class
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Monthly Passes (Based on a 4-week month)
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1 Class/Week: $130
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2 Classes/Week: $240
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3 Classes/Week: $330
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Full Spring Semester Pass (4 Classes/Week): $1,850 total (~64 classes)
How to Join the Classes?
After purchasing your pass on Punchpass, please make sure to sign up for individual classes by visiting the Calendar/Schedule page. This is how you'll receive the Zoom links for each session. We look forward to dancing with you!
General Program Description
What Does the Kritya Kuchipudi Training Semester Entail?
At Kritya, we believe in nurturing dancers of all ages and experience levels through a holistic and rigorous syllabus designed by our Artistic Director and Head Instructor, Yamini Kalluri. The program is grounded in tradition while embracing innovation, giving students the tools to grow as well-rounded artists. Intermediate and advanced level classes are taught by Yamini Kalluri; beginner-level classes are taught by trained Kritya Dance Ensemble members.
Core Elements of Training
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Rhythm Training & Slokas
Students engage deeply with Natya Shastra and Abhinaya Darpana slokas to build a strong vocabulary of movement and expression. Rhythm work includes reciting konnokol (the rhythmic language of dance), which enhances musicality and sharpens precision. -
Foundations of Kuchipudi
The Vempati style of Kuchipudi—codified by Dr. Vempati Chinnasatyam—has 64 foundational steps. Introductory students learn these steps alongside core slokas, providing a solid base in Kuchipudi pedagogy and vocabulary. -
Charis & Body Conditioning
Charis from the Natya Shastra are integrated into body conditioning, developing hip and leg articulation, balance, and weight shifts. This work builds stamina and prepares the body for the demands of performance. -
Jathis & Choreographies
Jathis—longer rhythmic dance combinations—train both the brain and body, building stamina while preparing students for choreographic work. Choreographies move into storytelling, expression (abhinaya), and advanced musicality. -
Marathon Classes
Weekly all-level sessions revisit and reinforce foundational steps and Jathis as set by Dr. Vempati Chinnasatyam, honoring Kuchipudi’s evolution from drama tradition to dance tradition.
Teaching Approach
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Introductory Classes with Kritya Ensemble Dancers
Kritya Ensemble members are appointed to teach beginner classes. This strengthens their own artistry through teaching, while giving students access to a variety of perspectives and precise guidance. -
Intermediate & Advanced Classes with Yamini Kalluri
Yamini leads technical refinement, choreography, and conditioning classes. Her Kritya Technique blends the Vempati style of Kuchipudi with insights drawn from ballet, contemporary dance, Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Mohiniattam, Kathak, yoga, and pilates—expanding the art form while staying rooted in tradition.
Level Structure & Placement
Kritya values openness alongside responsibility to the form. While all dancers are welcome, class placement is intentional and based on technique, alignment, stamina, and clarity of movement — not titles or years of experience alone.
Dancers joining Kritya from other techniques or lineages will be assessed at the start of the semester. If a dancer's technique does not meet Kritya standards, they will be guided into one of the following paths:
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A hybrid track combining beginner and intermediate classes, or
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Beginner-level classes until foundational alignment and clarity are established.
This approach ensures dancers integrate safely, sustainably, and in alignment with Kritya's training methodology.
The Kritya Philosophy
At Kritya, we believe that true mastery of a tradition comes from engaging in training, research, teaching, and performing. Every student is encouraged to embody all four pillars, fostering not only technical skill but also a deep connection to the art form.
This balanced and immersive approach shapes dancers who are resilient, creative, and dedicated torchbearers of Kuchipudi’s living tradition. We are committed to rigor without elitism. Technique is honored, curiosity is encouraged, and growth is supported through clear structure and compassionate guidance.
Virtual Spring Semester Schedule
Feb 17 - Jun 12, 2026
All classes are held in U.S. Eastern Time (ET) and conducted on Zoom.
Enrollment is open to students worldwide—join from any location.
⚠️ Disclaimer:
New students and beginners may only register for Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday classes. Monday and Wednesday classes are designed for continuing and intermediate/advanced students.
Kritya Kuchipudi Dance Apprenticeship Program
Overview
The Apprenticeship Program is designed for advanced and dedicated Kritya dancers who are ready to train with greater rigor and commitment under Yamini Kalluri. This program deepens artistry, stamina, and discipline, while preparing dancers for ensemble performance and teaching leadership within Kritya.
Schedule & Structure
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Ensemble Training:
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Mondays, 7:00 – 8:30 AM EST – Workshopping new materials with Yamini.
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Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30 AM EST – Revising and practicing Monday’s material.
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General Group Classes (Required for Apprentices):
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Mondays, 6:30 – 8:00 PM EST – Intermediate Class
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Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 PM EST – Intermediate Class
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Fridays, 6:30 – 8:00 PM EST – All Levels Class
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Teaching Requirement:
Members of the Kritya Dance Ensemble must also teach Introductory Kuchipudi classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.-
Teaching strengthens their own foundation and layam (rhythmic precision).
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It cultivates clarity, articulation, and leadership, shaping them into more complete and thoughtful dancers.
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Commitment
This apprenticeship demands dedication, consistency, and accountability. It is not only a space to grow as performers but also to embody the values of Kritya: discipline, artistry, generosity, and leadership.
If you only do what you can do,
then you'll never be more than what you are.
Additional
Information
Questions? Need any support?
Feel free to email us here
Prerequisites to Join Kritya Dance School
- Should be 5yrs old and above
- Prior experience not required
- Should have interest in learning about Indian culture & mythology
- Should be consistent and on time to classes
- Should have a stable internet connection
- Should be self-responsible and dedicated to practicing material learned in classes
Dress Code
- Hair must be pulled back in a braid or bun
- 13+ years: Practice saree or dhoti
- No Dupattas