Veena Varrier holds a distinguished creative endeavour in Mohiniyattam, one of the classical Indian dance from Kerala. She continuous her pursuit through research, practice and teaching. She was born in a family where traditions are alive. Vazhenkada, her native place is known for its Kathakali heritage. Veena’s father is a Kathakali percussion (chenda) artist-Vazhenkada Krishnadas and mother Girija, a document writer. She got married to Kalamandalam Arun.B.Varrier who is a Kathakali performing artist.
Her initiation in learning dance was at the age of eight. At the age of twelve, she moved to Kerala Kalamandalam with a life-decision to achieve proficiency in classical dance. She has completed her graduation, post graduation and M.Phil from Kerala Kalamandalam after continuous austere training imparting Gurukula system of education of twelve years under the guidance of eminent Gurus. And now, She is pursuing her doctoral research in the same premier public institution on the topic: Use of movements in Mohiniyattam (Charikaludeyum Gathikaludeyum Prayogam Mohiniyattathil). Apart from these honours, she has also learned Kathakali lessons from renowned Kathakali performing artists Kottakkal Devadas and Kalamandalam Udayakumar. Since then she has performed a few female roles. This knowledge and practice helped her to absorb the nuances of it and apply the minimal form in Mohiniyattam. Her contributions in the cultural realm is persistent, including remarkable performances at several venues in India, Mauritius and UK. Veena has done one year internship from Kerala Kalamandalam, where she got chance to teach and perform. She holds four years of experience as Guest faculty in Mohiniyattam at R.L.V College of Music and Fine Arts. She was lucky to have opportunities to be part of the dance productions by the exponents Padmashree Kalamandalam Kshemavathi, Pallavi Krishnan and Kalamandalam Leelamma. She has facilitated several workshops for Mohiniyattam organised by SPIC MACAY.
Academic Qualifications & Achievements from Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University for Art And Culture;
- Higher School Leaving Certificate-Art : 2002
- Higher Secondary Examination-Art : 2004
- B.P.A. Degree Examination- Mohiniyattam- First Rank : 2007
- M.A- Mohiniyattam- First Rank : 2009
- M.Phil-Performing Arts : 2012
- Ph.D- Performing Arts : Joined in 2013
Notable Performances;
- Program at U.K organised by the Govt.
- Program at Mauritius organised by the Govt.
- Anannya Festival at New Delhi conducted by Prasar Bharathi.
- Nritya Pratibha Festival at Kendra Sangeeta Nataka Academi, Patna.
- Konark Festival at Orissa.
- Iskon Temple Festival, Bangalore.
- Sadhana Sangama Festival at Bangalore.
- Nishagandhi Festival Trivandrum conducted by Kerala Tourism Department.
- Thiranottam Fest Thrissur.
- Three Performances conducted by Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Academy; Aarangottukara Paadhashala Thrissur, Palakkad Finearts Society & Natana Kaishiky Irinjalakkuda Thrissur.
- Khajuraho Festival organised by Madhya Pradesh Kala Parishad, Madhya Pradesh.
- Lasya Festival conducted by Lasya Academy, Kerala.
Awards / Recognitions;
- Balakrishnakkurupp award for Mohiniyattam.
- Prof. Kalamandalam Leelamma Endowment for Mohiniyattam.
- Mukthika Puraskaram, Chilanka Dance and Music Academy, Aaranmula.
Research Experience and Training;
- Teaching Experience : Internship at Kerala Kalamandalam
- M.Phil Dissertation : Communication through gestures in Mohiniyattam. A study based on the texts; Natyashasthram, Balaramabharatam, and Abhinayadarpanam
Paper Presentations;
- Presented a paper with demonstration at UGC National Workshop (Performing Poetry in Malayalam) conducted by Department of Malayalam, Sree Kerala Varma College, Thrissur.
- Presented a paper with demonstration at UGC National Seminar conducted by Department of Malayalam, NSS College, Ottappalam.
Seminar / Workshop Participations;
- Bharathanatyam Workshop by Vasundhara Dorai Swamy conducted by Kerala Kalamandalam.
- Bharathanatyam Workshop by C.V. Chandrashekhar conducted by Kerala Kalamandalam.
- Bharatham Seminar Conducted by Sangeetha Nataka Academy Thrissur.
- Mudra Festival and workshop at Vailoppilly Samskrity Bhavan , Trivandrum.
- Mohiniyattam Workshop by Dr. Kanak Rele conducted by Kerala Kalamandalam.
- Bharata Nrithyam Workshop by Dr. Padmasubahmanyam conducted by Kerala Kalamandalam.
You can contact her at email id: lasya122@gmail.com
Crystal Ball 