Pallavi began her training in Bharatanatyam with her mother Smt. Shalini Shivashankar (Director of Upahaar School of Dance) at the age of five and continued to complete her arangetram in 2008 in Bangalore, India. As a young child, Pallavi was also privileged to have been trained in the basics of this dance style by two other teachers both alumni of Kalakshetra – Ranjini Ganesan and Lekha Sasi in Bangalore and Bahrain respectively, thus giving her a strong foundation in Bharatanatyam, which has moulded and shaped her current style.

She later worked on polishing her skills further in Chennai at Bharata Kalanjali School of Natya, founded by the Natyachaaryas, the Dhananjayans and worked on abhinaya with Smt. Bragha Bessel. Pallavi is also privileged to have received training with prominent dancers and choreographers, Smt. Divya Shiva Sundar and Smt. Seeta Patel. She now continues to train and find her voice under the teachings and guidance of Sri. Mavin Khoo.

In addition, Pallavi explored Mohiniattam briefly and has begun her training in Mridangam and Nattuvangam, aiding her sense of rhythm and musicality within dance. She has presented a variety of solo, duet and group recitals in the UK, India, and abroad and was recently touring globally as one of the principal dancers in Akram Khan Company’s ‘Outwitting the Devil’. Pallavi has been awarded ‘Winner of YUVA 2016’ from Akademi in London, ‘Nritya Ratna’ from Trinity Arts Festival, Chennai and ‘Nritya Priyadarshini’ from Natyapriya, Bangalore.

She is also a part of the teaching faculty at Upahaar School of Dance, London and has previously graduated in BA Fashion Design from Nottingham Trent University. Pallavi continues her journey of discovery within the medium of Natyam.

“Bharatanaṭyam is hedged on its visual articulacy, and it’s evident that Pallavi has worked hard to achieve this. However, beyond academic diligence there is something luxurious at hint: a mature handling of the technique, the patience to allow characters to simmer and stew, the wisdom to be simultaneously detached and completely present. Here is a dancer who seems not in thrall with herself, who is happy to dwell alongside the dance rather than seek to extract from it. The ease and humility, the lack of self-consciousness, these are the truly enviable traits, and are sure to draw more audiences to share in her artistry. This was a stellar evening, curated with care and finesse. I walk away sated, elated by beauty.“