There is not a time that I can remember when dance was not an integral part of my life. My initiation into dance began from the womb. My mom, herself a dancer, had founded her dance school “Shakti” in 1977, and was continuing to perform, tour, and teach immediately after I was born. Therefore, before I began any formal training, I had watched and absorbed….

My mother noticed my love for dance when, at four years old I showed her the Ganapathi Kauthvam, which I had picked up from watching the older girls learn in class. It was at that time that I joined the dance class and began taking formal lessons under my mother.

As expected, my interest in Bharata Natyam waxed and waned during the beginning years. I went through phases when I wanted to “quit” and become a gymnast or ballerina like “other kids,” but of course, my heart always came back to Bharata Natyam. I began learning Carnatic Music – vocal (which I am continuing to study), mridangam, flute, veena, violin….you name it…I learned it! Although dance has remained my focus, I think my exposure to these various arts has definitely enhanced my knowledge and appreciation of music, and has augmented my growth as a well-rounded dancer.

On my eight birthday, I danced before my mother’s gurus (my grand gurus) of the Rajarajeshwari Bharata Natya Kalamandir, at the Cochu Guruvayur temple in Bombay. It was my first solo performance – in the true sense of the word – my grand gurus proudly informed me afterward that this performance was indeed my “Arangetram.”

Catch em young…a natural dancer…with rhythm resonating in her limbs, she went about her adavus quite intricate for her age, with a supple grace and sure stance. With Anga Suddha, Anga Lavanya, and expressive felicity, it was almost ecstatic to watch! The Khandan speaks for itself…” – Free Press Journal, India 1990

This experience really inspired me to practice diligently and begin my career as a performer. The following summer (1991), I gave my first performance tour of India, performing in Bangalore, Madras, Bombay, and Delhi.

Perfect Footwork by tiny feet….Mythili danced her way into the hearts of the August audience at the Yavanika….Woven with intricate korvais, teermanams were flawlessly negotiated by the tiny dancer exhibiting her sense of laya and perfect footwork coupled with angasuddha. Her spontaneity and expressions belied her tender age. It was a treat to watch her executing the difficult karanas depicting Lord Nataraja in the Tamil padam. The in-built grace, speed, and control the child exhibited while executing the complicated jathis and negotiating the different nadai both in the Varnam and thillana were amazing."- Times of India, Bangalore 1991

That year I was also invited to perform along with my mother for the President of India, His Excellency Mr. R. Venkatraman at the Rashtrapthi Bhavan in New Delhi. The next spring (1992), I gave my first debut performance in my home city, Los Angeles at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre.

In the years following this, I have given regular solo concert tours of India every Winter during the Music and Dance Season, performing at prestigious sabhas in the major cities.

In addition to my tours of India, I have also had the opportunity to tour the United States and United Kingdom, as a soloist, along with my mother, and as a lead member of the Shakti Dance Company in all of its major productions.

In 2006, I choreographed, created original music, shot, co-edited and produced a video