Hailed from a traditional Harikatha Bhagavatar’s family in Tenali, Vijayavalli was a child prodigy, started rendering Harikatha at the age of 5. She had her initial training in Harikatha and Carnatic music from father and guru Bramhasri Yeleswarapu Subrahmanya Sastry.
She holds Masters degree in Kuchipudi Dance and a gold medalist in Bachelor’s degree from Potti Sree Ramulu Telugu University, Hyderabad. She also holds a PG Diploma in Folk Arts and Higher grade Teachers’ Training Certificate.
Smt Vijayavalli started Shānkari Nātyasthal in the year 2000 and since then have had trained and mentored hundreds of students. So far, more than 100 students have completed Certificate and Diploma exams conducted by Telugu University and secured First class with distinction.
She is known for her unique style of choreography and her command over Nattuvangam and various aspects of Kuchipudi Dance, Carnatic Music and Harikatha. She has performed in India and USA and received several titles and honours – Harikatha Natya Mayuri, Kadha Kadana Kovida, Sangeeta Nritya Vidya Praveena,NattuvangaKovida,MadhuraGayani,NatyaSaraswatiand many more.
Vijayavalli Bharadwaj was born in Tenali, Andhra Pradesh, and comes from a traditional Harikatha Bhagavatar's family. Her father and Guru, Brahmasri Yeleswarapu Subrahmanya Sastry, were multitalented and versatile artists proficient in Harikatha, Theatre, Literature, and Classical Music.
She holds a Master's degree in Kuchipudi Dance, having earned a Bachelor's degree with a Gold medal in Kuchipudi Dance and a Post Graduate Diploma in Folk Arts from Potti Sree Ramulu Telugu University in Hyderabad.
Trained in Harikatha, Telugu Literature, and Classical music from her father at a very young age, Vijayavalli rendered her first Harikatha performance at an event organized by All India Radio when she was just 5 years old. She began performing at several prestigious events and occasions and received numerous appreciations and awards, establishing herself as a child prodigy. One of her notable performances was during the TANA Silver Jubilee Celebrations in San Jose and Los Angeles, USA, in 2003.
Fascinated by the grace and expressive qualities of Kuchipudi dance, she dedicated herself to this divine art, embracing its tradition and pure form of classical dance. Inspired by the legendary Sri Vempati Chinna Satyam garu, Vijayavalli embarked on a journey to explore the finer nuances and intricacies of various dance forms and ancient scriptures to acquire an in-depth insight. She attended numerous workshops and performances by renowned stalwarts, maintaining an insatiable appetite for knowledge and excellence.
Recognizing the paramount importance of Nattuvangam, the rhythmic sound play of cymbals in classical dance, she diligently honed her skills in this essential element. She was fortunate to receive guidance in the nuances of Nattuvangam from Smt. Kamala Rani, an adept Nattuvanaar from Kalakshetra, Chennai.
Her achievements have been duly acknowledged with a Gold Medal in Kuchipudi Dance presented by Former Governor Sri Krishna Kanth. She has also been felicitated by eminent personalities and dignitaries, including Dr. Akkineni Nageswar Rao, Gnanpeet awardee Dr. C Narayana Reddy, Dr. N Gopi (Former Vice Chancellor of Potti Sree Ramulu Telugu University), and Dr. Rallabandi Kavita Prasad (Former Director of Culture and Tourism, Government of Andhra Pradesh)
Inspired by the style of the Legend Sri Vempati Chinna Satyam garu, I started exploring the finer nuances and intricacies of various dance forms, ancient scriptures to acquire in-depth insight, attended many workshops and performances by great stalwarts - yet my appetite for knowledge and excellence never ended.
Nattuvangam or the rhythmic sound play of cymbals, is the most essential element of classical dance. Being a Nattuvanaar is as being a well versed rhythmic expert with adequate sense of music and dance.
Was very fortunate to learn the nuances of Nattuvangam from Smt. Kamala Rani, an adept nattuvanaar from Kalakshetra, Chennai.
Nattuvangam or the rhythmic sound play of cymbals, is the most essential element of classical dance. Being a Nattuvanaar is as being a well versed rhythmic expert with adequate sense of music and dance.
Receiving Gold Medal in Kuchipudi Dance Former Governor Sri Krishna Kanth.
Felicitated by many eminent personalities and dignitaries Dr Akkineni Nageswar Rao, Gnanpeet awardee Dr C Narayana Reddy Dr N Gopi
Former Vice Chancellor, Potti Sree Ramulu Telugu Universtity Dr Rallabandi Kavita Prasad, Former Director, Culture and Tourism Govt of Andhra Pradesh,
Sri Rama Kala Samithi, Hyderabad
Sri Ramalingeshwara Peetham, Ongole
Sri Rama Gana Sabha, Hyderabad
from Gyanpeeth Awardee Dr. C Narayana Reddy
from Dwinatya Praveen Sri Pasumarti Ramalinga Sastry
from Saptaswara Cultural Organisation, conferred by Chevaliar, Padmavibhushan Dr. Mangalampalli Balamurali Krishna
