"Kassiyet, celebrated as an Instagram phenomenon, defies convention. Born in Kazakhstan and nurtured by a single mother, she embodies resilience and determination. Her journey led her to master Bharatanatyam in India, enriching her cultural repertoire. Holding a degree in International Relations from the University of Pecs, Hungary, she seamlessly blends academia with her diverse heritage. As a visionary entrepreneur, she introduced the world's pioneering clean cosmetics line, a testament to her innovative spirit and reverence for Indian arts. Recognized globally as a social media luminary and public figure, Kassiyet personifies talent, innovation, and cultural resonance."
Artistic journey
Kassiyet in her journey from the cultural capital of Kazakhstan to the vibrant landscape of the Bay Area embodies a spirit of professionalism, and excellence. As a child, she departed her homeland, driven by an earnest dream to immerse herself in the artistry of Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance form.
Fueled by an unwavering passion and dedication, Kassiyet's journey in Bharatanatyam has been marked by both national and international recognition, resonating in the hearts of audiences in India and abroad. Guided by the esteemed tutelage of Guru Padma Bhushan Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan and Rama Vaidyanathan at Ganesa Natyalaya in New Delhi, she honed her craft, drawing from both her formal training in Kazakhstan and immersive experiences in India. Her pursuit of excellence was fortified by a scholarship from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Government of India enabling her to delve deep into the nuances of the art form.
Kassiyet has maintained an extensive professional performance career since 2010, showcasing her talent across esteemed venues in India, the USA, Europe, and worldwide. Her repertoire includes over 200 solo and group performances, reflecting her commitment to excellence and global cultural engagement.
Currently under the esteemed mentorship of Dr. Anita R Ratnam, Kassiyet's journey takes on new dimensions of depth and vision. Through intensive training sessions, insightful guidance, and profound mentorship, Dr. Ratnam empowers Kassiyet to refine her technique, deepen her understanding of Bharatanatyam's rich tradition, and infuse her performances with an unparalleled depth of emotion and storytelling.
Find more details about Dr. Anita R Ratnam here.
In addition, Kassiyet has received the esteemed invitation to join the renowned Ragamala Dance Company for the years 2024, 2025, and 2026, under the guidance of Ranee Ramaswamy and Aparna Ramaswamy. This opportunity allows her to showcase the excellence of Bharatanatyam at prominent dance venues across the United States, further cementing her reputation as a versatile artist and cultural ambassador.
Click here for the calendar of upcoming performances.
Click here to find out more about Ragamala Dance Company .
Education
At the age of 6, Kassiyet's journey into the realm of International Diplomacy commenced alongside her Bharatanatyam training at the Indian Embassy in Kazakhstan. As her performances took her across borders, she found herself fascinated by encounters with diplomats of diverse backgrounds. With unwavering support from her mother, Kassiyet's passion for International Relations flourished, leading her to pursue a full scholarship at the esteemed University of Pecs, Hungary, where she obtained her degree. Her academic endeavors at the University of Pecs broadened her understanding of global affairs, shaping her perspective as a diplomat.
In 2019, Kassiyet's dedication culminated in an internship at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA. Immersed in the intricacies of International Diplomacy and decision-making processes, she actively participated in major UN events, debates, and meetings, realizing her aspiration to become a diplomat of international stature.
Kassiyet augmented her expertise by participating in the Women in Leadership (WiL) and Diversity in Leadership (DiL) conferences at Stanford Graduate School of Business. These immersive experiences provided valuable insights into her evolving journey. Engaging with esteemed MBA Stanford faculty members during class immersions and contributing actively to discussions further enriched her understanding and potential direction.
Entreprenuer
Fueled by her profound love for Bharatanatyam and international diplomacy, Kassiyet embarked on a visionary journey, establishing Kassiyet Cosmetics, the pioneering clean cosmetics brand headquartered in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area. Embracing the mission of disseminating the splendor of Indian Classical Arts worldwide, Kassiyet Cosmetics exemplifies her steadfast dedication to fostering cultural exchange and empowerment.
As the entrepreneurial force behind Kassiyet Cosmetics, Kassiyet's odyssey serves as a beacon of inspiration for budding artists, diplomats, and entrepreneurs alike. Her graceful and innovative approach continues to bridge cultural divides, leaving an indelible mark on diverse communities. Rooted in her lifelong devotion to Bharatanatyam, Kassiyet's visionary spirit led her to reimagine the art form's impact, not only through teaching but also through the realm of cosmetics.
Kassiyet's childhood infatuation with makeup, inherited from her mother's adoration for lipsticks, blossomed into a profound passion seamlessly intertwined with her dance career. This transformative journey, enriched by her diplomatic experiences and global travels, culminated in the inception of Kassiyet Cosmetics. As the world's premier makeup brand dedicated to celebrating the joy of arts across borders, religions, and cultures, the cosmetics brand embodies Kassiyet's unwavering commitment to artistic expression and cultural harmony.
To delve deeper into the captivating world of Kassiyet Cosmetics and the inspiring journey behind it, click here.
Producer
"ANITA SAYS..." is a monthly editorial meticulously crafted by Dr. Anita R Ratnam and prominently featured on narthaki.com. Guided by the creative direction of Kassiyet, the podcast series "Anita Says" was successfully launched on Spotify.
The Anita Says podcast, inaugurated in September 2023, stands as a compelling arts series curated by the eminent contemporary dancer, choreographer, arts presenter, cultural activist, and art entrepreneur, Dr. Anita Ratnam. Delving into the intricate tapestry of events, ideas, and influences that shape the dance traditions of India across the globe, the podcast provides invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of Indian dance.
Kassiyet spearheads the production and marketing efforts of the podcast, ensuring its reach and impact. Notably, the podcast has been featured multiple times on the New York Times Square billboard.
To stay updated with the latest episodes, subscribe and listen to the podcast on Spotify.
Educator
Kassiyet embarked on her journey as a Bharatanatyam educator in 2010 at Ganesa Natyalaya, New Delhi, India, under the esteemed guidance of Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan. Since then, she has dedicated herself to sharing the intricacies of this ancient art form with students worldwide.
In 2017, Kassiyet expanded her teaching horizons, traveling across the globe to impart her expertise to intermediate and advanced level dancers. Focusing on the nuanced aspects of Bharatanatyam, her teachings delve deep into the essence of the art form, enriching her students' understanding and practice.
In 2022, Kassiyet established the Kassiyet Training Center in the Bay Area, California, as a hub for Bharatanatyam enthusiasts seeking to refine their skills and immerse themselves in the rich tradition of Indian classical dance. Through her dedication and passion, Kassiyet continues to inspire and empower dancers to reach new heights in their artistic journey.
In addition to her regular teaching commitments, Kassiyet conducts regular workshops and intensive residencies across the USA & globe, offering aspiring dancers the opportunity to delve deeper into the art of Bharatanatyam. Her workshops provide a platform for dancers of all levels to refine their technique, explore the nuances of expression, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the cultural significance of the dance form. Through these immersive experiences, Kassiyet fosters a community of passionate and dedicated dancers who are committed to preserving and advancing the legacy of Bharatanatyam on a global scale.
Click here to learn more about the training center
Choreographer
Over the past few years, Kassiyet has distinguished herself as a choreographer and creator, producing several notable dance pieces and productions in the vibrant arts scene of the Bay Area, California. Her work has garnered attention and acclaim, often commissioned and presented by esteemed institutions and venues in the region.
With meticulous attention to detail and a profound understanding of movement and expression, Kassiyet has crafted choreographies that resonate deeply with audiences, exploring themes ranging from cultural heritage to contemporary social issues. Her creations captivate and inspire, showcasing the richness and diversity of Indian classical dance within a modern context.
Through her innovative approach and dedication to artistic excellence, Kassiyet continues to contribute significantly to the cultural landscape of the Bay Area, enriching the community with her creative vision and passion for dance.
Learn more here
Kassiyet's mentorship extends far and wide, spanning across the United States and Canada, where she has dedicated her expertise to nurturing advanced-level dancers for their projects. Her impactful contributions were further exemplified during her tenure as a faculty member at the esteemed Abhinaya Dance Company of San Jose from 2021 to 2022. In this role, Kassiyet rigorously trained students in preparation for their arangetrams, instilling in them a strong foundation and a deep understanding of the art form.
Even beyond formal teaching environments, Kassiyet's influence resonates profoundly through her digital presence. As an influential figure in the dance community, she continues to mentor and support the younger generation of dancers through her engaging and informative Instagram page. By sharing insights, techniques, and inspiration, Kassiyet empowers aspiring dancers to hone their craft and pursue their artistic passions with confidence.
Through her multifaceted approach to mentorship, Kassiyet remains committed to fostering the growth and development of emerging talents, ensuring the legacy of Indian classical dance flourishes for generations to come.
Mentor
Curator
Kassiyet has curated and facilitated workshops featuring renowned artists in the field of Indian classical arts. Recognizing the invaluable contribution of senior artists, she has orchestrated these engagements with meticulous care and consideration. These workshops serve as a platform for the exchange of knowledge and expertise, where seasoned practitioners impart their wisdom and skills to the younger generation of artists.
With a deep-seated commitment to the preservation and advancement of Indian classical arts, Kassiyet views these workshops as a vital component in the nurturing and development of emerging talent. By fostering meaningful connections between experienced mentors and aspiring artists, she seeks to cultivate a culture of learning and growth within the artistic community.
To delve further into these enriching workshops and their impact on the Indian classical arts landscape, click here to learn more.
Artistic director
Kassiyet Dance Company is set to debut in 2025, marking a significant milestone in Kassiyet's artistic journey. This new endeavor represents another addition to Kassiyet's creative portfolio, reflecting her unwavering commitment to the world of dance.
As the Artistic Director of Kassiyet Dance Company, we are actively seeking professionally trained dancers to audition and join the company for our upcoming productions. Serving as the performing wing of our organization, the company will showcase dynamic choreographies and performances that push the boundaries of artistic expression.
In addition to seasoned professionals, the company will also have the opportunity to feature talented students from our training center, who undergo intensive training under instructors guidance. We believe in providing opportunities for emerging dancers to showcase their skills and talents on a professional platform.
Auditions are open to all young professional dancers who aspire to be part of our vibrant dance community. We also extend an invitation to all talented individuals to join our talent community, where they can explore potential opportunities for collaboration and growth.
If you're ready to take your dance career to the next level or if you possess a unique talent that you believe would enrich our artistic endeavors, we encourage you to apply and become a part of the Kassiyet Dance Company family. Apply here.
Community engagement
In 2021, Kassiyet embarked on a pioneering initiative by founding the Bay Area Adavu group, with the noble objective of fostering collaboration and camaraderie among Bharatanatyam dancers across the Bay Area. This visionary endeavor sought to create a unified space where dancers could gather to dance, practice, and exchange knowledge.
Since its inception, the Bay Area Adavu community has experienced remarkable growth and evolution, blossoming into the premier hub for Bharatanatyam dancers in the region. Through regular gatherings, workshops, and collaborative projects, the community has cultivated a vibrant ecosystem that celebrates the rich traditions of Indian classical dance while nurturing the talent and passion of its members.
Under Kassiyet's leadership and guidance, the Bay Area Adavu group continues to thrive as a dynamic and inclusive community, uniting dancers of all levels and backgrounds in a shared pursuit of artistic excellence.
In 2023, Bay Area Adavu organized its inaugural Social Meetup, a momentous occasion where dancers of all training backgrounds came together to not only showcase their talents but also to engage in choreography sessions, meaningful discussions, and joyful camaraderie. This landmark event served as a testament to the growing strength and unity of the Bay Area Adavu community, fostering bonds that transcend the boundaries of dance.
With the resounding success of the Social Meetup, there is optimistic anticipation for its continuation as an annual tradition, further solidifying Bay Area Adavu's status as a cornerstone of the local Bharatanatyam scene.
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Learn more about Bay Area Adavu community here
