“Learn an art — it will guide you throughout your life.” This timeless quote holds true, especially in today’s fast-paced digital age where many youngsters seem lost in the world of phones and social media. But breaking away from that stereotype is 10-year-old prodigy Shri Kavini Anand, a passionate student of dance and music, currently residing in Kotturpuram, Chennai. “I have an immense love for classical arts — dance, music, and painting,” she declares with pride.
When Did Kavini’s Passion for Dance Begin?
“My grandmother had a deep interest in dance, and my mother is a trained classical dancer,” Kavini shares. “Since I was a toddler, I would watch them and feel naturally drawn to the art form.” Seeing this interest, her mother began teaching her Bharatanatyam when she was just two years old. During the 2020 pandemic lockdown, Kavini continued learning through online classes under her mother’s guidance.
Her mother, Girija Anand, has been performing for over 30 years. Inspired by her, Kavini’s passion for Bharatanatyam grew stronger. “Even while eating, I used to watch dance videos,” she laughs. This deepening interest led her to begin formal training under Guru Smt. Lakshmi Ramasamy of Shri Mudralaya. Interestingly, Lakshmi Ramasamy is also her mother’s Guru.
In 2024, Kavini moved from Texas to India to fully immerse herself in learning dance and music. She now lives in Kotturpuram and studies in Grade 5, while continuing her dance training at Mudralaya.
Her Other Interests
“My first love is Bharatanatyam,” she says. But that’s not all. Kavini also takes formal training in both Carnatic and Hindustani music, and has already performed solo music concerts. Her 14-year-old elder brother is a mridangam player, adding to the family’s musical legacy.
Born into a culturally rich household, Kavini also has a keen interest in painting, has won Thirukkural competitions, and is learning Bhagavad Gita slokas as well.
Stage Performances
“My parents say my first stage performance was as baby Krishna when I was just six months old,” smiles Kavini. Since then, she has performed on many prestigious stages alongside her mother and Guru. She has sung nine songs solo on stage, and one of her cherished experiences is dancing in the ‘Dashavatara’ program under her Guru’s guidance.
Kavini is now preparing for a major milestone — her Bharatanatyam Arangetram (debut stage performance) scheduled for June 14 at Vani Mahal, under the expert tutelage of her Guru, Smt. Lakshmi Ramasamy.
Future Aspirations
“Being from a family deeply rooted in the arts, I know I have a long journey ahead in both dance and music. I want to make a name for myself in these fields,” she says with determination. Kavini is also a top student academically, and dreams of becoming a doctor one day.
For the past year, she has been living away from her parents in India with her aunt to pursue intensive training. “My parents and aunt are my greatest support, and I want to make them proud along with my Guru who has given me this knowledge and discipline,” she shares.
A Message for the Modern Generation
“In today’s world, there are many distractions that can easily consume our attention. But if we engage ourselves in any art form — be it music, dance, painting, or chanting slokas — our lives will be more fulfilling,” says Kavini wisely. “These arts contribute 100% to both mental and physical well-being.”
With a bright spark in her eyes and dreams as vast as the sky, Shri Kavini Anand is surely a rising star in the world of classical arts.
