The love for Kuchipudi drove Girija Kishore to learn the art form since childhood. She pursued Master’s in dance from the Dance Department, S.N. School of Arts & Communication, Hyderabad Central University, and secured a distinction. Dr. Anuradha Jonnalagadda trained her in the advanced nuances of the art form and not one to stop with it, Girija Kishore continued her career under the able guidance of Sri Pasumarthi Ramalinga Sastry. She has the honour of playing lead roles in all his major productions, earning a title of Natya Kuntala.
In a bid to quench her hunger for dance, Girija Kishore got an opportunity to learn Vilasini Natyam from none other than Padma Bhushan Dr. Swapna Sundari, who is the leading light in this dance form. Under the able guidance of Guru Swapna Sundari, Girija studied the art form and the three major aspects of this tradition in detail. The Temple Dance Tradition (Alaya Nritya Sampradayam); 2. The Court Dance Tradition (Asthana Sampradayam or Kacheri Ata); 3. Theatrical Dance Tradition (Ata Baghavatam). Girija Kishore has given many performances in Vilasini Natyam and participated in the temple rituals during yearly Brahmotsavams of Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple, Rang Bagh, Hyderabad, since 2005.
With numerous performances across the country and major dance festivals, Girija Kishore was awarded the Junior Research Fellowship, from Govt. of India; Young Artist’s Talent Scholarship from Govt. of India, 2003, and Merit Scholarship, Hyderabad Central University, 2003. Honoured with the Natya Vidyadhari title at the sacred Saraswathi Temple, Basar, Girija Kishore trains students at Sri Guru Sarnya Dance & Music Academy founded by her. She also choreographs dance events for Corporate Schools and organisations.
“Teaching dance to young aspirants at my dance institute rejuvenates me,” Girija Kishore says and plans to continue her career as a consummate artist combining the skills of a performing artist, teacher, choreographer and researcher.