Aparna Rao

ABOUT

Aparna Rao

I am Aparna Rao, Masters in Kuchipudi from University of Silicon Andhra, Milpitas, California, USA, a certified Kuchipudi dance professional from Telugu University, Hyderabad, AP and a master’s in computers from Osmania University. I am involved with this rich art form from past 20 years as a student, dancer, performer, and trainer. I was trained under Guru Smt. Prasanna Rani and in Pasumarthi’s dance style for initial years and later in Vempati Chinna Satyam Dance style from gurus of Kuchipudi Art Academy. I had gone into intensive training in “nattuvangam” from renowned Guru Renuka Prasad.

Member of Sampada

SAMPADA offers certificate program for students learning Indian Classical Music and Dance in the USA and Canada. SAMAPADA certification is done by SiliconAndhra in affiliation with Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University (PSTU), a NAAC accredited institution. PTSU (established in 1985) is a reputed and widely respected university headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana state, south India.Teachers/gurus or schools affiliated to SAMPADA can have their students pursue Junior and/or Senior Certificate Programs in Carnatic music (Vocal, Veena, Violin, Flute and Mridangam); Hindustani music (Vocal, Sitar, Violin, Tabla); Bharatnatyam, Andhranatyam and Kuchipudi.

Students can acquire a Junior Certificate which is of two-year duration (Level 1 and 2). The Senior Certificate is of four-year duration (Level 1 + Level 2 + Level 3 + Level 4). Students will receive 16 University Credits for each of the two levels. SAMPADA’s course is meant to supplement and complement the teaching of the guru. For the student, it is a means to acquire highly valuable academic credits.

Performances

In my school and college cultural fests
In School cultural fest as Mohini in “Mohini Basmasura” dance drama
In Nritya Archana’s in Famous Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Bhartiya temple in Chalfont PA
At Sitaram Bagh Temple Hyderabad (Year 2000) – as Parvathi in “Parvathi Kalyanam” Dance drama
In AG Tech- Mumbai Cultural Fest (Year 2004)
At Holool India Limited – IT cultural fest held at Shilpa Ramam – Hitech City (2005)
At Company Cultural Fest of Satyam Computers services in (2007 till 2009) – Bloomington Illinois
In Telugu Association of Bloomington Illinois – Ugadhi Festival (2008)
At Festival of India (Normal Downtown – Illinois 2009)
At Festival of India (Philadelphia Downtown – 2015, 2016)
At Harrisburg, PA – Indo-American Cultural Festival (2017)
Deva Devam Baje – Dance ballet Performed at Telangana formation day festival in (Malvern – PA June 2019)
At Mudra Dance Festival – Chalfont PA- Bharatheeya Temple (2016, 2023)
In Chinmaya Mission Harley’s Ville ( 2023)

Kuchipudi Dance

Kuchipudi is indigenous to the state of Andhra Pradesh and differs from the other five classical styles by the inclusion of singing. Kuchipudi originated in the 17th century with the creation by Sidhyendra Yogi of the dance-drama Bhama Kalapam, a story of Satyabhāma, the charming but jealous wife of the god Krishna. The dance performance begins with the sprinkling of holy water and the burning of incense. Other rituals are performed, the goddesses of learning, wealth, and energy are invoked, and the characters are introduced, together with songs concerning their function in the performance. All roles were traditionally played by men. As an offering to Krishna, every Brahman, or priest, of the village of Kuchipudi is expected to perform the role of Satyabhāma at least once in his life.