Dr. Yadhugiri – The 75-Year-Old Mysore Professional Dancer Who Moves Generations
PR Spot 
Her body may carry years, but her spirit dances like it’s forever young.
Mysuru, India – In a world where many choose to slow down with age, Dr. Yadhugiri rises every day with more energy, more passion, and an undying commitment to her art. At 75, she remains a glowing symbol of resilience, discipline, and devotion to Indian classical dance, music, and culture.
Born and raised in Mysore, a city known for its rich artistic heritage, Dr. Yadhugiri’s soul was always drawn to rhythm and expression. While she began her educational journey in 1965 under the tutelage of Dr. M.N. Gopalan (IIT Bombay), her true calling was never behind a desk—but on the stage.
Under the guidance of dance guru Yashoda, she embraced Bharatanatyam, not just as a form of performance, but as a spiritual journey. Over the next six decades, she poured her heart into dance, music, teaching, and painting—turning her life into a living artwork.
A Lifetime of Excellence and Grace
Dr. Yadhugiri’s story isn’t just about talent it’s about tireless dedication. She has performed, taught, and inspired across cities, villages, and continents. Even today, she continues to perform with the energy of a teenager, waking up each day with a mission to keep art alive and accessible.
My age is in numbers, but my passion is timeless,” she smiles. “Dance is the breath of my life.
She has received over 1500 national and international awards—a staggering achievement earned not through fame, but through service to culture, honesty in art, and a heart full of purpose.
Some of Her Most Honored Awards Include:
• Doctorate in Dance, Music & Fine Arts – Chennai
• Noble Kannadathi International Award – Dubai
• Rotary Book Record – Dancing Star of India
• International Icon – Inspirational Queen of the World (Arman, Bangalore)
• KS Narasimha Swamy Prema Kavi Puraskara
• Girl of Women Achievers Smaraka Award – 2008
• National Iron Model Hunt – Bangalore (Show Topper)
• Walktone Lions Club Fashion Event – Mysore (Runner-Up)
• Asia Culture Foundation Award
• Sri Ramajyothi Gandhi National Award
• Shree Kala Vedike Award
• Bharathiya Samskruthi Parishath (Karnataka) Recognition
• Karnataka Samskruthika Parishat Ratna Award
• State-Level Kala Prashasti Awards for Dance and Painting
• More than 1500 awards from national and international art, dance, modeling, and music organizations across India, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, and more
Strength Beyond the Stage
Through every performance and every struggle, one person has stood beside her—Anand, her sister’s son, whom she calls her backbone. In her quietest moments and brightest stages, his support was her anchor.
“He believed in me when I had nothing but my passion. I may have performed alone, but I never walked alone,” she shares with teary eyes.
Still Dancing, Still Dreaming
Even today, Dr. Yadhugiri remains more active than ever—teaching young dancers, painting, performing, and participating in cultural events. She is living proof that passion never retires. Her heart still beats in rhythm, and her feet still move with the grace of devotion.
“As long as I can stand, I will dance. As long as I can breathe, I will teach,” she says.
Her life is not just a success story—it is a soul-stirring reminder that true art is ageless, and that when you follow your heart, the world follows your light.
And now, adding yet another milestone to her inspiring journey, Dr. Yadhugiri has been nominated for the prestigious Universe Icon Awards, an international honour recognizing excellence in art and cultural leadership. The grand event will be held on August 31st in Goa, where global talents gather to celebrate icons who have touched lives beyond borders.
From the traditional lanes of Mysore to international stages, Dr. Yadhugiri continues to dance not just on stage, but through life itself. An icon, an inspiration, a living legend.
