Kinnari Vora

Kinnari Vora (born and raised in India), is a Chicago-based dancer, choreographer, and educator. She explores universal human experiences through movement, meditation, and theatrical practices. Collaboration is central to her work, engaging artists, audiences, and environments—fabric, architecture, and nature. Inspired by ancestral wisdom, nature, and cross-cultural dialogues, she creates performances that invite reflection and communal witnessing.

Rooted in Bharatanatyam (guru Sarmishtha Sarkar), Indian folk dances, kalaripayattu martial arts, and contemporary dance, Kinnari’s process is immersive and research-driven, often evolving through shared iterations. Through Ishti Collective (co-founder), she fosters meaningful dialogue through radical dance and artistic risk-taking, and through collaborating with Surabhi Ensemble she shares a positive message of togetherness.

A physical therapist and yoga practitioner, Kinnari integrates movement as a tool for healing. Through the Healing Arts Program and interactive installations, she creates spaces for connection and communal healing.

Her work has been presented at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, The Art Institute of Chicago, Ragdale Foundation, Pivot Arts Festival, Detroit Dance City festival, and internationally in Europe, India, Vietnam, Mexico, Israel, Sri Lanka, amongst others. A 2022 Chicago Dancemakers Lab Artist, she has received support from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the Illinois Arts Council.

Visit her website at www.kinnarivora.com