"It was my mother’s fascination with Indian culture, film, and dance that inspired her to take me to the Indian Embassy and introduce me to Bharatanatyam."
Q. What made you start learning Bharatanatyam, and how has your training changed over time? Were there any mentors or moments that shaped your journey?
I started learning Bharatanatyam at the age of 6, as I mentioned earlier, at the Indian Embassy in Kazakhstan. It was my mother’s fascination with Indian culture, film, and dance that inspired her to take me to the Indian Embassy and introduce me to Bharatanatyam. There was no turning back from there.
At first, like most kids, I think I was drawn to it because of my mother’s passion for it. But after my first visit to India in 2007, I fell in love with the dance form myself.
After completing high school, I decided to pursue dance more seriously and trained for many years in India under the legendary Guru, the late Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan, in New Delhi. Today, dance is my passion that has evolved into a full-time career. I’ve had the privilege of receiving wonderful training throughout my journey, and I’m currently mentored by India’s icon of dance, Dr. Anita R. Ratnam.
Q. In your recent post, you mentioned dancing in Times Square for fun. What was that experience like, and what did it mean to you?
Yes, I decided to dance in Times Square for fun because it’s the ultimate hub of entertainment in the world. It’s a place where everyone is doing something—posing, filming, performing acrobatics, and more. It’s a space where you can truly be yourself without fear of judgment, no matter what you're doing or how you're dressed. It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should try.
For me, it was also a way to share the beauty of Bharatanatyam with the public. Not every American or tourist is familiar with this art form, and I hoped to offer them a brief glimpse into something so beautiful. While people may watch you, they give you the freedom to express yourself however you wish. Later on, some people may come up to compliment you, but no one really bothers or makes you feel like a nuisance. New York is a place where many different worlds coexist, and life never stops.
Q. You dedicated one of your favorite dance pieces, Shringara Lahiri, to your followers. Why is this piece so special to you?
Wow, I really appreciate this kind of attention to my posts (laughing). Instagram isn’t just a blog to me; it’s where I pour my heart and soul. I use the platform to share something meaningful—a story, a message. It’s important to me that I use my voice with purpose, and I know people come to my page to watch my dance and gain insights along the way.
Shringara Lahari is one of the pieces I learned from my earlier teacher, Smt. Rama Vaidyanathan, and I’ve felt deeply connected to it ever since I first learned it. It truly reflects my inner feelings. The piece is beautifully composed and choreographed, and I wanted to share one of my all-time favorites with my followers and audience as a way of expressing my gratitude for their support in following my journey.
Q. As a Kazakh artist performing Bharatanatyam, how do you mix your culture with this Indian dance form?
Oh, that’s a tough question to answer! I started learning Bharatanatyam at the age of 6 and trained for 11 years at the Indian Embassy in Almaty, Kazakhstan. After that, I continued my training full-time in India for another 7-8 years. Bharatanatyam has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I don’t specifically differentiate it from my Kazakh identity because, to me, Bharatanatyam has always felt like an integral part of who I am. Even when I was living in India, I embraced myself as Indian in that context.
However, now that I’m in my 30s, I’m discovering how my Kazakhness fits into this journey. I’m in the process of learning how to bring my Kazakh identity into Bharatanatyam. I’m still exploring and figuring it out, but I’m excited to say that this will be the focus of my new production, which I hopefully plan to premiere in New York City in 2025.
Q. Your lifestyle account focuses on fashion and mindset. How do these connect with your dance and daily life?
As much as dance is a central part of my life, it’s not the only thing that defines me. I have a deep passion for many other things, such as fashion, beauty, entrepreneurship, and business. These interests complement my dance journey in ways that allow me to express myself fully in different dimensions.
Fashion is another powerful way I communicate with the world. It’s not just about what I wear, it’s a form of self-expression and a way to reflect my inner world. Just as in dance, where every movement conveys emotion and story, fashion allows me to present an external version of my feelings, thoughts, and creativity. It’s a reflection of who I am, just as much as my dance is.
Mindset is another key aspect that ties all of these together. Whether in dance, fashion, or entrepreneurship, having the right mindset is everything. I’ve come to understand how our mindset shapes our reality - it influences the way we approach challenges, pursue our goals, and navigate life’s ups and downs. A small shift in thinking can have a profound impact, changing the direction of your life in ways you might not have imagined. This is something I’ve experienced firsthand in my journey as a dancer and entrepreneur. Every area of life, from creative expression to daily decision-making, is shaped by the lens through which we see the world.
All of these elements - dance, fashion, mindset, and business - are interconnected. They influence each other and contribute to who I am and how I live my life, helping me grow both personally and professionally.
Q. Could you tell us more about your upcoming luxury brand- 26.8 by Kassiyet? How do you see it growing in the future? Is there any story or sentiment attached to the brand name?
26.8 is a luxury brand that I initially created under Kassiyet Cosmetics. However, I decided to rebrand it and dedicate it to my mother’s birthday, which is on August 26th. While Kassiyet Cosmetics started as a makeup brand, 26.8 has now evolved into a luxury fashion house deeply inspired by the beauty and traditions of Indian classical dance and arts.
The vision for 26.8 was first conceived by my mother in 2020, and it’s something I’m passionate about bringing to life in new ways. The brand aims to bridge the gap between high fashion, makeup, and the rich cultural heritage of Indian classical art forms. My goal is to popularize these timeless traditions worldwide, using fashion, makeup and dance as vehicles for expression. These are things I love, and I see them as powerful tools to introduce the elegance and depth of Indian classical arts to a global audience.
By blending my interests in dance, fashion, and beauty, 26.8 allows me to fuse all of these elements into one cohesive brand. It’s more than just a fashion label—it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and the arts. I’m excited to relaunch the brand in 2025 and share this vision with the world, bringing Indian classical art to the forefront of global fashion and beauty.
Q. What has been the most memorable moment of your dance career? How did it change your view on art and performance?
Perhaps one of the most memorable experiences of my journey so far was performing with the Ragamala Dance Company at the prestigious Lincoln Center in New York City this past summer. The training with Ragamala and the opportunity to perform within the mainstream U.S. arts scene has truly opened new doors for my dancing career.
Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of how Bharatanatyam and other Indian classical art forms can be presented on a larger stage in the American arts landscape. It’s a different level of professionalism that I’m still processing, and I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to learn and grow in such an inspiring environment.
Q. What advice would you give to people from different backgrounds who want to learn Bharatanatyam or other classical dances?
It’s never too late to start dancing. Dance is such a powerful tool for transformation, and it’s one of the most beautiful gifts you can give yourself.
BIO
Ms. Kassiyet is a Kazakh-born Bharatanatyam artist, entrepreneur, and fashion enthusiast who began her dance journey at age six. Trained under legendary Gurus like Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan, she has performed globally, including at Lincoln Center. Passionate about blending cultures, she is launching 26.8 by Kassiyet, a luxury brand inspired by Indian classical arts. Her journey reflects a fusion of dance, fashion, and mindset.
Interviewed By Ananya
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