Meet Moulika Bollinadi | Indian Classical Dancer, Choreographer and Performer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Moulika Bollinadi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Moulika, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Growing up in Hyderabad, Telangana, I was immersed in a cultural environment where Kuchipudi was more than just an art form—it was a way of life. From the age of five, I embarked on my journey in this classical dance under the tutelage of renowned guru Sri Pasumarthy Venkateswara Sarma. My childhood days resonated with the rhythms of mridangams, the intricate footwork, and the expressive abhinaya that are the soul of Kuchipudi.

The key factors behind my success lies in my lifelong dedication to Kuchipudi, which has been instrumental in shaping not only my artistic journey but also my personal discipline and sense of balance. For me, learning Kuchipudi extended beyond simply mastering dance techniques—it was about embracing a deep cultural legacy that required discipline, mental resilience, and physical endurance. Some of my most significant performances in India include prestigious venues such as Thirumala Thirupati Devasthanam (TTD), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Hyderabad, Telangana Got Talent (TGOT), Sakshi Arena One Youth Festival, Ravindra Bharathi, and Shilparamam in Hyderabad. The rigorous training, daily practice sessions, and opportunities to perform at such venues taught me to push beyond my limits, fostering the resilience crucial to my success.

Preserving the cultural richness of Indian traditions for future generations is a value I deeply uphold. During my undergraduate studies in India, I taught Kuchipudi to young children, helping them connect with this rich heritage. One of the highlights of my dance career was being invited as a panelist for the dance competition at my undergraduate university’s cultural festival. This opportunity not only acknowledged my expertise in the art form but also allowed me to contribute to the cultural vibrancy of the event. After relocating to the United States to pursue my tech career and master’s degree, I began seeking opportunities to perform and share this art form abroad. Some of my noteworthy performances in the U.S. include performing at platforms such as Colorado Fine Arts Association (CFAA) in Denver, Telugu Association of North America (TANA) and North America Telugu Association (NATA) in Austin, and performances such as the Mahishasura Mardhini and Sri Krishna Satya Dance Drama in Denver. I also volunteered to teach at dance academies in Denver and Austin, devoting my weekends to 5-hour practice sessions while striving to promote awareness of Kuchipudi within the Indian community.

The International Dance Council in Paris CID UNESCO – the supreme body of dance announced on September 10th 2024, that my achievements in Kuchipudi have earned me the prestigious membership of the International Dance Council CID UNESCO in Paris to represent Kuchipudi and my country on an international arena. This approval was notified to me on my birthday and I felt extremely grateful for coming this far with my passion.

Maintaining balance between my dance career and personal fitness has been a crucial aspect of my journey. Kuchipudi demands not only artistic precision but also physical strength, as the form’s complex footwork and dynamic movements require endurance and agility. Over time, I’ve learned to harmonize fitness and health with my dance practice, ensuring longevity in my performances. This balance has been essential whether preparing for shows, managing rehearsals, choreographing and participating in productions like the Ramayana, Mahishasura Mardhini, and Sri Krishna Satya Dance Dramas during U.S. tours. My ability to merge my passion for dance with a disciplined fitness routine has been fundamental to sustaining my successful journey over the years.

As I reflect on my journey, Kuchipudi has been not just an artistic pursuit but a profound influence on my life. It has shaped me both as a dancer and as an individual, instilling values of perseverance, balance, and cultural appreciation. By teaching, performing, and continuously practicing, I hope to inspire future generations to embrace this vibrant art form and carry forward its legacy. My dedication to Kuchipudi is a lifelong commitment, one that continues to push me toward new heights in both my artistic and personal life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey with Kuchipudi has been both profound and transformative, shaping not just my artistic expression but my personal growth as well. What sets me apart in this classical dance form is the deep connection I maintain with its traditional roots while continuously striving to innovate and adapt to contemporary contexts. At 15, everything changed when I presented my first ever choreography to a song honoring Durga Maata. Immersed in the music and its profound meaning, I was lost in the moment, poured my heart into that dance, experiencing a divine connection that every artist dreams of reaching in their entire career. I wept with joy on that stage, realizing I had found my true self. Now, every time I perform, I express my soul with boundless joy, deep happiness, and unwavering sincerity. My performances are not merely showcases of technique but immersive experiences that convey the rich narratives and emotions embedded in Kuchipudi.

I take great pride in my achievements, including performing at prestigious venues in both India and the U.S., and contributing to the preservation and promotion of Kuchipudi. One of my proudest moments was being invited as a panelist for the dance competition at my undergraduate university’s cultural festival. This role allowed me to share my insights and passion for the art form with a wider audience, and it reinforced my commitment to nurturing the next generation of dancers. I also participated in IIT Hyderabad’s Indian Classical Dance competition where I was runner-up. It is one of the nationally recognized and biggest competitions held in Hyderabad every year. It was a surreal feeling to present KRISHNA SHABDHAM – a beautiful Kuchipudi piece choreographed by Sri Vempati Chinna Satyam garu at such venue and receive recognition.

The path to where I am today has been far from easy. It required immense dedication, countless hours of practice, and overcoming various challenges. Balancing rigorous training with academic and professional responsibilities has been demanding, yet each obstacle presented an opportunity for growth. I’ve learned that resilience and adaptability are crucial in overcoming setbacks. Integrating my dance career with my tech profession, especially after relocating to the U.S., required me to innovate and find creative ways to stay connected to my art form while advancing my career.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are invaluable. Discipline, perseverance, and the ability to maintain a balance between artistic passion and professional demands have been central to my journey. I’ve come to understand the importance of staying true to one’s roots while embracing new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

What I hope the world knows about me is my unwavering commitment to both my art and my community. My story is one of blending tradition with modernity, and of using my platform to foster cultural appreciation and inspire others. Through teaching, performing, and community engagement, I aim to contribute to the preservation of Kuchipudi and to encourage others to explore and celebrate their cultural heritage. My brand and story are centered around a deep respect for tradition, a passion for innovation, and a dedication to nurturing future generations of artists.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have always loved Denver and the beauty of Rocky Mountains. To keep myself physically fit, I do engage myself in Hiking and other outdoor activities. The Indian communities in Denver are fairly small when compared to other U.S. states and we have very limited options. Some food places I recommend visiting would be – Garnish – Indian Cuisine (amazing Indian food), Bawarchi, Madras cafe – if you love Dosas, Golden City Brewery (GCB), Jinya Ramen – Denver, Downtown, Happy Camper Denver, Enjoy an evening in 16th street mall by the Little Man’s Ice cream.

Places I opt to visit – Rocky Mountains National Park, Bluff Regional Park Trail for watching beautiful sunset, Lookout Mountain for night city lights, Mt. Evans, Red Rocks Amphitheater for sunrise, concerts and movies, Boulder Flat irons and Eat Gyozas in Pearl Street Mall.

If you love hiking – Lake Hayiyah and Emerald lake loop in Rocky Mountains National Park, Lost Lake via Hesse trail, Manitou Incline (Challenging), Blue Lakes – Ouray, Columbine Lake in Silverthrone and many more.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Guru – Sri Pasumarthy Srinivasa Sarma, Taught me Kuchipud for more than 14 years. My journey in dance would not have been possible without him. He is considered as a legend in the art form, originally a lineage from Kuchipudi Village. Additional details can be found here: http://kuchipudikalakar.blogspot.com/2012/08/pasumarthi-srinivasa-sarma.html

Prathyusha Apparasu, Founder, Laya Dance Academy, Denver – Part-time volunteering, Teaching and performing artist career in Denver started with her support. I currently perform as a member of the dance academy and I would like to thank her for always supporting me throughout my dance journey.

Raji Rayaprolu, Founder, Abhinaya School of Dance, Austin – My first ever opportunity to choreograph, teach and Perform as a Kuchipudi Artist in the U.S.A was supported by her. I still do my summer incentives and teach during workshops in Austin through her dance academy.

My family – Who has continuously supported me in pursuing my dance career and has been there during my toughest and darkest times of my life.

Website: https://moulikabollinadi.wordpress.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_moulika._/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moulika-bollinadi/

Image Credits
Charan Reddy D and Mithil Byri: Cinematographers in India (Pink dress and Yellow Checks dance dress)
Dinesh Maravathu – Colorado Red Rocks picture