Irina Strakhovenko is the First Kuchipudi Artist in Russia, having got herself trained in India, under the direct tutelage of Padmabhushan Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam, the Kuchipudi maestro, since 1994. Her committed involvement made her stay in Chennai with her Guru for three years to perfect this form of classical art.

From the age of 6 she learnt music (piano) and classical dance ballet before evincing interest in the Indian classical art.

She has completed her MPA dance degree from Hyderabad Central Universtity - India in 2003 under Dr. Anuradha Jonalaggada. She has blossomed into an artist of good caliber with appreciative choreographic talent and also imparts training to young aspiring students in Russia. Her penchant for rhythmic cadences and abhinaya have own appreciation. She has given numerous programmes under the auspices of Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Center Ц Moscow, State Oriental Art Museum and Sahaja Yoga Programs with blessings of Sri Nirmala Shrivastava.

With an ardent desire to popularize this art form she imparted training to Russian students in her institution УAartiФ adhering to quality and tradition. She has trained a number of students and has presented several group programs choreographed by herself receiving the encomiums and laurels from the audience and the press.

She has to her credit of organizing master classes in Kuchipudi for the first time in Moscow by the distinguished exponent of Kuchipudi style Ц Kalaimamani Ms. Sailaja Ц Founder Director УSaila SudhaФ from Chennai, India. This was a very important and inspiring experience for all participants which brought a high level interaction specially during the Indo-Russian Friendship Year 2009.

In May 2010 Irina organized master classes of Master Jaikishore Mosalikanti (Chennai, India) - outstanding dancer and choreographer of our time.

In August 2010 Irina represented Russia in an International Dance Festival organized by Indian Council of Cultural Relations in Delhi. She gave solo performance in Kamani Audiorium and lecture-demonstration in Delhi Public School. (watch the video of the performance.)

Since August, 1993 Irina is following a path of Yoga and is spreading the light of it through her Dance.