Founder and Artistic Director

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Lavanya Kasarabada is the Founder and Artistic Director of Aakriti Dance Academy. She has been teaching dance and choreographing for more than 15 years. Lavanya has received formal training in both Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dance forms. She has received formal Bharatanatyam training under the tutelage of Smt. Padmini Ravi and Kalaimamani Shri Guru Madurai R. Muralidharan. She has learnt various dance styles like Jazz and Hip-Hop, but Indian Classical is still very close to her heart. She believes that dance is omni-present – whether it is in the leaves gently moving to the breeze, the waves in the oceans, the flutter of wings among the birds, or just movement in nature. 

Lavanya believes that anyone can dance with the right guidance, technique, diligence and passion. She hails from a family of professors and hence teaching comes naturally to her. She spends time and is patient with both kids and adult students. She works with her students and ensures she grows them as dancers, choreographers, performers and eventually contributors to their communities. 

Lavanya is passionate about building a vibrant community through the medium of dance! Her zeal helps her create, perform and direct unique dance shows in Seattle. Lavanya has directed, choreographed and performed in several shows both in India and US for local and international non-profits and cultural organizations. 

Apart from dancing, Lavanya is a fitness enthusiast. You can find her taking part in marathons, biking, and exploring the outdoors in the Pacific Northwest. She works as a Program Manager at Microsoft.