Today we’d like to introduce you to Krutika Pillay.
Hi Krutika, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
“In every step, every gesture, I experience pure bliss. Dance is not just an art; it’s a celebration of life, a way to connect with my inner self and the world around me.” I am Krutika Pillay a Bharatanatyam dance practitioner and teacher. I was born into a traditional Indian family that placed great value on classical art and culture, and from a very young age, Bharatanatyam captivated me. My journey began as early as four years old. I was fortunate to have formal dance lessons under the guidance of renowned teachers like Mrs. Anju Shirsikar and Mrs. Sundari Shehshadri. The art of Bharatanatyam dance resonated deeply with me, and by the age of 15, I completed my Arangetram, a significant milestone for any Bharatanatyam dancer. My passion for dance only grew from there, and I eventually earned a degree in dance from Bhartiya Nritya Sangathan. I have also had the privilege of learning Kuchipudi Margam from Pandit Krishna Swami and Dr. Korada Narasimha Rao. Along with Bharatnatyam dance I have choreographed Indian folk dances and Bollywood dances for several events.
At the same time, I pursued a Master’s degree from the University of Pune and developed a corporate career with eminent multinational companies. Despite my professional commitments, I always made time for dance. I continued teaching at my dance studio while also dedicating my weekends to teaching at Shiksha NGO.”
Opportunities to learn advanced dance choreography from Padmabhushan Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan and Dr. Nirmala Nagarajan have been invaluable experiences that have taught me a great deal. I have also had the privilege of choreographing dance productions for esteemed programs such as Shakti, Anoka Bharat, Utsav, and many others. I will always cherish the memories and the lessons I have learned from them. These opportunities allowed me to not only showcase the depth of Bharatanatyam but also collaborate with talented performers and creatives, pushing me to think outside the box while staying true to the traditional essence of the art form. Additionally, I have also been on the panel of Judge for dance programs. Each experience reinforced my love for Bharatanatyam and reminded me of the power of art can bring people together and create lasting memories. When I moved to the U.S. after having my son, I shifted from a corporate job to becoming a stay-at-home mom, but my passion for dance continued to flourish. My dedication, passion and determination towards this art form was a driving force to start teaching Bharatnatyam dance so I could share and pass along my skills to more people who are passionate about dancing. I began teaching dance locally, eventually founding my dance school, Shreekala, where I share the beauty of Bharatanatyam with students of all ages.
To teach dance is to share a part of your soul. When I see my students growing, learning, and expressing themselves through Bharatanatyam, it brings me an indescribable joy. Their success is my success.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I am not just passing on the technique of dance; I’m passing on a legacy. The joy in teaching comes from watching my students grow and find their own unique rhythm in life. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but each challenge has contributed to shaping who I am today. Every hurdle and setback has made me stronger, more resilient, and more accomplished. When I reflect on my journey, I see the moments where I felt like giving up- whether it was the intense hours of practice, balancing my dance commitments with my corporate career, setting up in a new country, or searching for rehearsal spaces. But every single one of those challenges taught me something valuable.
One of the biggest struggles I faced was managing the balance between my corporate career and my love for dance. When I transitioned to being a stay-at-home mom, it wasn’t just about changing my professional life—it was about finding a way to keep my passion for dance alive while raising my son. I had to adapt and find new ways to continue my work, which eventually led me to start teaching dance in the U.S. Starting my dance classes here was challenging. My home was small, and there was no formal space to hold lessons. I had to make do with community spaces, working tirelessly to create opportunities for my students despite these limitations. I also worked part time and full time for months to keep up with the expenses.
Then came the pandemic, which brought its own set of challenges. Teaching Bharatanatyam virtually was daunting at first—there was a disconnect with students, and I struggled to ensure they were practicing the movements correctly. However, I turned that challenge into an opportunity to grow by leveraging technology and adapting creative teaching techniques. It taught me flexibility, adaptability, and how to harness technology to keep my students engaged. I found new ways to communicate the essence of Bharatanatyam through online platforms, ensuring that the art form remained intact despite the physical distance.
Looking back, all these challenges have not only strengthened my commitment to dance but have also taught me valuable life lessons. Dance, like life, isn’t always easy, but the rewards—both personal and shared with my students—are immeasurable.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
“Dance has always been my constant companion. It’s a language I’ve connected very early in my life, and it continues to bring me peace and joy. There is nothing more fulfilling than knowing that I can share this gift with others.” While I have performed and choreographed diverse types of dance forms, including Indian folk dances, Bollywood, hip-hop, salsa, and ballroom, I specialize in Bharatanatyam, one of the oldest and most revered classical dance forms of India. Known for its precision, grace, and intricate storytelling, Bharatanatyam is an art that I have dedicated my life to.
What sets me apart is my deep commitment to preserving the traditional “Guru-Shishya Parampara” (teacher-student tradition) while also adapting my approach to engage today’s students. I integrate storytelling, creativity, and modern techniques to make learning more dynamic and enjoyable for my students.
I am most proud of my dance school, Shreekala, where I teach and foster a love for Bharatanatyam in my students. The certifications we offer through international platforms like the International Dance Council (CID), constituent of UNESCO and renowned boards like Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, LACE, are an essential part of my work. They not only validate the learning experience but also provide students with an opportunity to be recognized for their efforts. The growth of my students and seeing them perform with confidence and passion is my greatest achievement.
Another accomplishment I’m proud of is my work as a choreographer and performer. I’ve had the privilege of performing at various prestigious events, and I’m deeply moved by the way dance has allowed me to connect with people and share stories.
What truly sets me apart is my unwavering passion for teaching. I am constantly motivated when I help my students learn, perform, and enjoy the essence of this artform. I try to instill in them the same love for Bharatanatyam that has shaped my life.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, I am excited to continue growing Shreekala Dance School, expanding our reach, and sharing the beauty of Bharatanatyam with more dance lovers. I’m also focusing on integrating more technology into my teaching. I also aim to further explore the intersections of Bharatanatyam with other art forms and modern expressions. I believe that classical art can evolve and adapt, while still staying rooted in tradition, and I look forward to pushing boundaries while maintaining the essence of this timeless dance form.
Finally, I hope to see more of my students take the stage confidently, pursue their passions, and carry forward the traditions of Bharatanatyam with pride and dedication.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shreekaladance.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreekala.dance?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShreekalaDance
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/shreekala-dance-school-herndon?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
Image Credits
Magic lenz – photography and RajPhotos
