Harinie Jeevitha

Harinie Jeevitha (Tamil: ஹரிணி ஜீவிதா) is an Indian classical dancer and choreographer. A senior disciple of Sheela Unnikrishnan of Sridevi Nrithyalaya, she started training at the age of six in the Melattur style of Bharatanatyam and, within three months, performed a small role in the production Balaramayanam.

From a very young age, Harinie became a well-known name in dance circles and is "recognized for the depth of research, understanding, and internalization" she brings to her performances. According to The Hans India, Harinie brought "conversational vibrancy" to her work through her "skillful blending of nritta, natya, and abhinaya".

At the age of 9, she performed her first solo and completed her arangetram in 2006. From a very young age, Harinie became a well-known name in dance circles and is 'recognized for the depth of research, understanding, and internalization' she brings to her performances. According to Hans India, Harinie brought 'conversational vibrancy' to her work through her 'skillful blending of nritta, natya, and abhinaya. "Harinie’s performance stood out for its grace and artistry." The Hindu, 2024 Parsvanikutttakam - one of the 108 karanas in the classical Indian dance. In 2009, Harinie was conferred the Bal Shree title by the National Bal Bhavan in the field of Creative Performance, an honor constituted by the Government of India.

In 2023, after participating in eighteen dance dramas choreographed by her teacher, Harinie presented her first independent production, titled Varadarajam Upasmahe.

Harinie continues to perform at prestigious dance festivals in India and abroad. As of February 2026, Harinie no longer performs as part of Sheela Unnikrishnan's troupe and is not an instructor with Sridevi Nrithayalaya. Instead, she has decided to expand upon her journey as an independent artist and soloist.

Education

Harinie graduated with a degree in English Literature and later completed her post-graduation in Dance.

Harinie is also an 'A' grade artist with Doordarshan.

Awards & Recognition

Bala Shree title from National Bal Bhavan, 2009 Won the Excellency Award by the VDS Arts Academy Received Ranjani Rajan Award as the Best Dancer 1st prize at the Classical Duo (with Archana Raja) and the 2nd at the Classical Solo dance contests of Akhil Bharatiya Sanskrutik Sangh (Pune, 2009) 1st prize in the final round of Konjum Salangai dance competition series by Doordarshan TV (Podigai), 2008 1st prize (Feb 2008) and 2nd prize (2009) in the all-India level (mixed age group) Bharatanatyam * competition in Hyderabad organized by Navya Nataka Samiti 1st prize in the all-India level Bharatanatyam competition in Bangalore (2008) conducted by Gopinath Das Nyasa 1st prize in Thaka-Dhimi-Tha, a dance competition show conducted by Jaya TV 1st prize in Bharathanatyam dance contest conducted by Sivan Arts Academy (2005) 1st prize in the junior category at the Bharatanatyam contest by Concern India in 2009 Best Bharatanatyam Dancer 2007 Award in the Junior Category from the Auroville Cultural Exchange Prize from Kanaka Sabha (Mumbai) in all-India Level Competition Prizes in Jawahar Bala Bhawan (Tamil Nadu) state- and Chennai district- level competitions 1st prize in the Jaya Vidya Learning Centre's Bharatanatyam contest Received the YGP Golden Jubilee Award as the "Best Actor" is also a recipient of the Bharat Kalachar scholarships for dance for 2004 - 2010

Notable Solo Performances (Abroad) Source: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2020) Sydney, Australia (2019) Melbourne, Australia (2018) Toronto, Canada (2017) Singapore (2014)

Oslo, Norway (2012)

Notable Solo Performances (India) Source: Kartik Fine Arts (2020) SABHA, Sridevi Nrithyalaya (2020) Narada Gana Sabha (2019) IIT, Mumbai (2019) Chamber concerts in Bangalore (2019) Sri Krishna Gana Sabha (2019) Annual Dance Festival, The Music Academy (2019) Sri Krishna Gana Sabha (2018) Satyam Sivam Sundaram (2018) Sri Krishna Gana Sabha (2017) Annual Dance Festival, The Music Academy (2017) Mid Year Dance Festival, Music Academy (2016) Satyam Sivam Sundaram (2016) Sri Krishna Gana Sabha (2016) HCL Concert Series, Music Academy (2015) Natyarangam, Narada Gana Sabha (2015) RR Sabha (2014) Spirit of Youth, Music Academy (2014) Mylapore Fine Arts Club (2013) Sri Krishna Gana Sabha (2013) Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha (2012) Indian Fine Arts Society (2012) Sri Krishna Gana Sabha (2011) Yuva Utsav, Bharat Kalachar (2011) Satyam Sivam Sundaram (2011) Brahma Gana Sabha (2010) Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha (2010) Kartik Fine Arts (2009) Nungambakkam Cultural Academy (2008) Parthasarathy Swami Sabha (2007) VDS Arts Academy (2007) Guruvayur Temple, Trivandrum (2006) Pollachi Tamil Sangham (2006) Balasaraswathi Festival (2005) VDS Arts Academy (2004)