Kassiyet Adilkhankyzy
Kassiyet Adilkhankyzy was born in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on January 15, 1993, during the post-Soviet era. She grew up with her single mother, Rashida Shokanova, who held a PhD in Russian and Kazakh language and literature. Despite the challenges of raising a child on her own, Rashida worked tirelessly, holding two full-time teaching jobs in public schools and later at universities. Her passion for Indian culture, music, and films deeply influenced Kassiyet’s early life.
Kassiyet’s dance training in Bharatanatyam began at the age of six, inspired by her mother's love for India. She started learning the classical Indian dance form in the Kalakshetra style under the guidance of Akmaral Kainazarova at the Indian Embassy in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where she trained for 11 years.
Kassiyet's dedication to her craft eventually led her to India, where she had the privilege of training under two legendary Bharatanatyam gurus, the late Saroja Vaidyanathan and Rama Vaidyanathan. Under their mentorship, Kassiyet’s artistry flourished, and she went on to pursue dance professionally, touring the world and sharing her passion with global audiences.
In 2020, Kassiyet immigrated to the United States to further her career in dance and entrepreneurship. Since then, she has been mentored by the legendary dancer Dr. Anita R. Ratnam, whose guidance has shaped her growth as both an artist and an entrepreneur.
In 2010, Kassiyet received a scholarship from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to pursue Bharatanatyam at Ganesa Natyalaya in New Delhi, India where she made her debut performance at the XIX Commonwealth Games under the able guidance of the legendary Late Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan.
In 2015, Kassiyet performed at the prestigious Music Academy in Chennai, India being selected for the 27th Spirit of Youth Festival. Later that year, she was invited by the Dakshina Daniel Phoenix Singh Dance Company to perform at the Fall Festival in Washington, D.C., marking one of her first international professional dance tours.
In 2017, Kassiyet was awarded scholarships by the governments of Hungary and Kazakhstan to study International Relations at the University of Pécs in Hungary. This opportunity broadened her artistic perspective and allowed her to connect with European audiences, further expanding her reach as a dancer across the continent.
Kassiyet has had the privilege of learning a vast repertoire of beautiful compositions from her esteemed Gurus and performing them across 30 countries worldwide, sharing her artistry and passion with diverse audiences around the globe.
Kassiyet has received multiple national and international awards and titles and has been recognized by the United States as an artist of extraordinary ability. She was also invited to join UNESCO's International Dance Council in Paris in 2022. In 2024, she had the privilege of performing with Ragamala Dance Company, one of America's most renowned dance companies, at the Lincoln Center in New York City.
As a young Bharatanatyam dancer from Kazakhstan, dance has profoundly transformed and shaped Kassiyet's life. Bharatanatyam has not only expanded her dreams but also fueled her pursuit of higher goals. Kassiyet’s mission is to inspire the next generation of dancers to dream big, trust in themselves, and embrace the beauty and power of dance.
EDUCATION
Kassiyet holds an International Relations degree from the University of Pécs, Hungary. In 2019, she culminated her academic journey with an internship at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA, where she actively participated in major UN events, debates, and meetings.
Kassiyet also attended the Women in Leadership (WiL) and Diversity in Leadership (DiL) conferences at Stanford Graduate School of Business. These immersive experiences enriched her journey in dance and entrepreneurship.
ENTREPRENEUR
Kassiyet founded Kassiyet Cosmetics in 2022 in the San Francisco Bay Area, inspired by her love for Bharatanatyam and international diplomacy. The clean beauty brand reflects her dedication to cultural exchange, empowerment, and celebrating the arts across borders.
Her passion for makeup, influenced by her mother, grew alongside her dance career and global experiences, culminating in a brand that bridges artistry and culture. Currently undergoing rebranding, Kassiyet Cosmetics will soon be available on the market, embodying her commitment to artistic expression and unity through beauty.
PODCAST PRODUCER
Inspired and created by Kassiyet, the "ANITA SAYS..." podcast is a monthly series on Spotify that reflects Dr. Anita R Ratnam's editorial on narthaki.com. Launched in September 2023, the podcast is a vital platform for discussing the evolving traditions of Indian classical dance, offering deep insights into its global influence.
Curated by Dr. Ratnam, a renowned contemporary dancer and cultural activist, and Kassiyet’s mentor, the podcast plays a crucial role in preserving and advancing the discourse around Indian classical dance. Kassiyet leads the production and marketing efforts, ensuring its reach, including multiple features on the Times Square billboard.
Catch the latest episodes on Spotify.
FEATURED CHOREOGRAPHIES
Kassiyet has mentored advanced-level dancers across the United States and Canada, including serving as a faculty member at the Abhinaya Dance Company of San Jose (2021–2022), where she trained students for their arangetrams.
Beyond formal teaching, she engages with the dance community through her Instagram, sharing insights and techniques to inspire the next generation of dancers. Kassiyet’s mentorship ensures the legacy of Indian classical dance continues to thrive