At the tender age of five Uma Muralikrishna took the first step of her training in Bharathanatyam under Padmashri K.N Dandayudhapani Pillai. Consequently she came under the tutelage of Padmashri Adyar K. Lakshman. She is also in an intense manner dedicated to Kuchipudi apart from her enduring interest in Bharathanatyam. Uma Muralikrishna learned Kuchipudi from Padma Bhushan Dr. Vempatti Chinna Satyam.
All over the country she has given performances in all the major Sabhas and festivals. Music Academy, Krishna Gana Sabha, Bharath Kalachar, Karthik Fine Arts, the Surya festival in Trivandrum, the Khajuraho festival in Konarak, the Bharath Cultural Integration festival in Delhi and Mumbai, the Mahabalipuram festival in Madras, Natyanjali Festival in Chidambaram, and for the International Dance Alliance are few to mention.
She has also given performances in many cultural centres abroad. As "Poetry in Dance", she was acclaimed by the Dance critics for her performances. For her contribution in the domain of Bharatha Natyam, she was awarded the titles "Natya Kala Ratna" and "Singar Mani". For her endeavor in the field of Kuchipuri, she was conferred the "Yuva Kala Bharathi" and "Kalaimamani". In Doordarshan Kendra, she is an "A" grade artiste in both Bharathnatyam and Kuchipudi. Reputed playback singer Smt. S. Janaki is the mother-in-law of this far famed classical dancer.
Her performances are a combination of striking abhinaya accompanied and creative thoughts. Through her stage presence in the field of Kuchipudi, her hard work and dedication are being reflected. Her charming personality plays as an added advantage while performing Kuchipudi. For example, Bama Kalapam was a major piece in Kuchipudi performed by Uma and was executed with a lot of authority and dedication.. At Kalkshetra Uma performed for the `Joy of Freedom` and that was of an immense high standard As leading news paper `The Hindu` commented, `With her eloquent Bhava`s Anga Suddha, suppleness of limbs and depth of feeling, Uma executed joy in her every movement.` There is no place to be awestruck after experiencing her performance. The reasons behind such performance are her solid foundation and long years of training in Bharathanatyam and Kuchipudi.
