About Kinnari
Kinnari Vora (born, raised in India) is a Chicago based dancer, choreographer and educator. She shares stories of universal human conditions and emotions through movement, meditation, and theatrical practices. Her contemporary works are rooted in Bharatanatyam (guru Sarmishtha Sarkar, India), various Indian Folk dances, Kalaripayattu martial arts, and recently contemporary dance. Kinnari is a physical therapist and yoga practitioner and integrates healing practices in her art making. She creates live performance installations using dance, performance art and communal healing rituals. Her work is guided by ancestral energy, wisdom of nature and collaborative communion.
Kinnari is co-founder and artistic co-chair of Ishti Collective, core collaborator with Surabhi Ensemble. Kinnari is co-curator of the Temple Gallery in Pilsen (with Bob Garrett). Her works have been presented by the Ragdale Foundation, Museum of Contemporary Arts, The Art Institute, Detroit Dance City Festival, Pivot Arts Festival, World Music Festival Chicago, Links Halls, Chicago Cultural Center among others. Internationally, Kinnari has performed and taught in India, Italy, Israel, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, SriLanka, Spain and Vietnam.
She is a Artist in Residence at High Concept Labs, Chicago (2023 Fellow/2022 Partner),
Chicago Dancemakers Lab Artist (2022), Ragdale Foundation resident (2022). Her works have been supported by the Chicago Department of Culture and Special Affairs, Illinois Arts Council and Indian Council of Cultural Relations.