Artist. Founder. Entrepreneur.
ABOUT
Kassiyet is a Kazakh-born, New York–based artist, founder and entrepreneur whose work spans performance, cultural programming, education and business.
Her artistic foundation is Bharatanatyam, which she began studying at the age of six in Kazakhstan before moving to India for intensive professional training. Over more than two decades, dance has taken her across countries, institutions and stages around the world, shaping a career built at the intersection of cultures.
Beyond performance, Kassiyet’s work has expanded into artistic leadership, entrepreneurship, creative production and advisory. She is the founder of Kassiyet Arts, a Bharatanatyam performing company and training institution, and Kassiyet New York, a developing beauty and lifestyle venture.
Based in New York, she continues to build work across art and business while exploring how artists can create ambitious, internationally relevant and sustainable careers.
SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS
2010 - ICCR Scholarship, India
Awarded a scholarship by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations to pursue advanced Bharatanatyam training in New Delhi.
2010 — Commonwealth Games, New Delhi
Performed at the Opening Ceremony of the XIX Commonwealth Games.
2012 — Bharatanatyam Arangetram, India International Centre, New Delhi
Presented her formal solo debut under Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan.
2015 — Spirit of Youth, The Music Academy, Chennai
Selected to perform in one of India’s major platforms for emerging classical artists.
2017–2020 — Stipendium Hungaricum Scholar, University of Pécs, Hungary
Completed undergraduate studies in International Relations.
2019 — United Nations Headquarters, New York
Completed an internship at the United Nations Headquarters.
2020 — Established professional base in the United States
Began building her artistic and entrepreneurial career in the U.S.
2024 — Ragamala at Lincoln Center, New York
Performed as part of Ragamala at Lincoln Center.
2025 — U.S. Extraordinary Ability (EB-1A) Classification
Granted U.S. permanent residence through the extraordinary ability category.
2025 — Harvard Business School Executive Education
Offered admission to the Venture Capital program.
2026 — Founder, Kassiyet Arts / Kassiyet New York
Continued developing her work beyond performance through arts, education, and consumer ventures.
CAREER AT A GLANCE
25+ years of Bharatanatyam practice
300+ performances, workshops and masterclasses
30+ countries across an international career
Performer, educator and choreographer working across classical dance, training and creative projects
Teaching and mentoring dancers across different stages of development
Career advisory for dancers and creative professionals
Jury and evaluation experience across selected dance works and programs
2022 Member, International Dance Council (CID), official partner of UNESCO
Founder of Kassiyet Arts and Kassiyet New York
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
2022
Recognition for Contribution to Serenity - Deeksha School of Performing Arts, Marietta, Georgia
2014
International Dance Excellency Award - 5th Cuttack Mahotsav, Cuttack, India
Natya Saradhi Award - Bharath Nrithyotsav, Visakhapatnam, India
2013
Proficient Dance Artist - National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, India
Naatya Druma Purashkar - Naatya Kausthubh Nrityotsav, Kerala Sangeet Natak Akademi, Thrissur, India
2012
Kalashree - Ganesa Natyalaya, New Delhi, India
EDUCATION
Kassiyet holds a degree in International Relations from the University of Pécs, Hungary, where she studied as a scholarship recipient.
In 2019, she completed an internship at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, gaining exposure to international diplomacy, global institutions and multilateral affairs.
Her continuing professional development has included leadership programs and conferences at institutions including Stanford Graduate School of Business.
