Lavanya Devi
is one of the leading Mohiniattam exponent of her generation, who has been seriously pursuing Mohiniattam both as a performer and researcher for over a decade. Having learnt Bharatanatyam for many years under prominent gurus, Lavanya was initiated into the art by Kalamandalam Anita Babu at her school days, after which she went onto learn Mohiniattam from the renowned Mohiniattam exponent Guru Prof. Dr. Deepti Omchery Bhalla. She is carrying on the tradition of legendary Guru Kalamandalam Kalyanikutti Amma from her guru.
Lavanya is particularly known for her sensitive Abhinaya, and strong rhythmic command. she is equally impressive in the technical and emotive aspects of her dance. Lavanya's perspective of Mohiniyattam initiated her to specialise the new possibilities in Mohiniyattam with carrying the rich tradition and purity of the dance, form, thus to equip herself with the aesthetics of Mohiniyattam in significant relations to the primeval tradition of Kerala. A rare combination of intensity and spontaniety, Lavanya’s dance is noted particularaly for its strict adherance to the style of her guru, known for its grace, depth of expression and technical perfection.
Lavanya's performances have always been a new experience for her awaiting audience. Her simple, elegant, minute expressions carry off the audience's thought deep into reality of the theme of her dance. She gave a new dimension to the dance form by presenting Mohiniyattam Group performances which always drew the kind attention of the audience and showcased the elegancy and simplicity of Mohiniyattam. She has shown an inimitable genius in choreogaphing new patterns and figures in her performances.
Lavanya has performed in many important festivals and stages all over the country. Many prestigious stages have been bestowed wuith her live concerts which includes Indradhanush Dance Festival (2013), Samrachna Festival of Choreography with Guru (2013), Maha Kumbh Mela (2013),India International Centre (2012), Attukal Ponkala Mahotsavam (Main Stage) (2012), Mahashivarathri Festval, Delhi (2009, 2011, 2012), National Coir Board Summit (2011), Delhi Goverment's Youth Festival, Inaugural Day (2011),Indian Council for Cultural Relations (2011),Tirumala Thirupathi Devasthanam (2011), India International Trade Fair at Shakuntalam Theatre (2009, 2010), 'Nritya Rupa' Desh Parva in Central Sangeet Natak Akademi on Commonwealth Games (2010), Rukmini Devi Arundale Dance & Music Festival (2010),Lecture Demonstrations in Rajasthan conducted by Spic Macay (2011), Chinmaya Mission Theatre (2011), Triveni Chamber Theatre (2010) Konark Festival (2005), Makarsankranthi Festival in Uttar Pradesh (2009, 2011), to name a few.
In addition to this, Lavanya has also conducted several Lecture- Demonstrations, Workshops, Seminars organised by various organisations which includes SPIC MACAY.
Lavanya is a graded artiste of National Doordarshan and has given several national programmes and interviews.
Lavanya has been honoured with several junior and senior scholarships, Titles and Awards from various governmental and Non-Governmental Organisations in the Country, which includes Sahitya Kala Parishad's Senior Scholarship (2010), Special Appreciation Award from Society for Upliftment of National Arts of India (Regd.), Kalapratibha (2011), Performer of the Year (2012) from Amrita Centre for Arts (Regd.), Yuva Puraskaar (2011), Delhi to name a few.
A graduate in Commerce from University of Delhi, Lavanya is presently doing intense research in Mohiniattam under the guidance of her Guru and is engaged in imparting training to young new generation Mohiniattam Aspirants as Dance Faculty of Trikalaa Gurukulam, New Delhi, an institution founded by Guru Padmashree Dr. Leela Omchery.