Yashoda Thakore Biography 
Yashoda Thakore is an exponent of Kuchipudi and Vilasini Natyam of Andhra Pradesh. Vilasini Natyam was formulated by Swapna Sundari - an exponent of Kuchipudi and Bharata Natyam, who conducted extensive research work on dying dance forms of Andhra temple traditions, and reconstructed it as a new dance genre. Kuchipudi danseuse Yashoda Thakore is currently involved in an effort to revive this vibrant art form that was passing into oblivion. She is also one of the foremost students of Padma Bhushan Swapna Sundari.
Dr. Yashoda Thakore hails from Hyderabad. She was six, when she was first introduced to Kuchipudi. She watched Swapna Sundari performing Vilasini Natyam on stage, and started learning this dance for her, after 14 years she began with Kuchipudi. She learnt Kuchipudi from Padmasri Shoba Naidu and later from Vempati Chinnasaytam for a total of 14 years, before she moved on to Vilasini Natyam. Now she is one of the leading dancers of Vilasini Natyam who currently she teaches this dance form at her Rinda Saranya Academy. She completed her PhD on her research works on ancient dance forms. She completed her doctoral thesis on 'The Interrelationship between Yoga and Indian Classical Dance with Special Emphasis on Kuchipudi’. She also authored a book titled Kaivalya, on yoga and Indian classical dance.
Vilasini Natyam is also known by the name Devadasi Nrityam. When the dancer performs on stage, the artist gets transported to the world of kalavanthulu (devadasi) breaking all stereotypes, and get lost the connection with oneself. Apart from learning the dance form from renowned guru Swapna Sundari, she also visited Kalavantulu families (who earlier followed Devadasi tradition) and learnt the art.
Published: September 29, 2018
Updated: September 29, 2018
