Dance to the rhythm of tradition with Aparna Rao's Kuchipudi
Aparna Rao
Aparna Rao is a seasoned practitioner of Kuchipudi, boasting a rich educational background that spans continents and disciplines. With a Master’s degree in Kuchipudi from the University of Silicon Andhra, California, USA, she also holds certification as a Kuchipudi dance professional from Telugu University in Hyderabad, India. Not limiting herself to the arts, Aparna holds a Master’s in computers from Osmania University, showcasing her versatility and dedication to both tradition and modernity.
Aparna’s journey in Kuchipudi spans over 20+ Years, during which she has evolved from a student to a revered dancer, performer, and trainer. Her formative years were under the tutelage of esteemed Gurus like Smt. Prasanna Rani and Pasumarthi, where she imbibed the essence of Kuchipudi in its various styles. Later, she delved deeper into the Vempati Chinna Satyam Dance style, refining her techniques under the guidance of gurus from the renowned Kuchipudi Art Academy. One of the highlights of Aparna’s training includes intensive immersion in “nattuvangam,” a crucial aspect of Kuchipudi, under the mentorship of the esteemed Guru Renuka Prasad. This dedication to mastering every facet of Kuchipudi reflects Aparna’s commitment to preserving and advancing this ancient art form.
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 as Parvathi in a dance drama
- In AG Tech- Mumbai Cultural Fest
- At Holool India Limited – IT Cultural Fest, Shilpa Ramam – Hitech City
- Performance in Cultural Fest of Satyam Computers Services
- In Telugu Association of Bloomington Illinois – Ugadhi Festival (2008)
- At Festival of India (Normal Downtown – Illinois 2009)
- Deva Devam Baje – Dance ballet Performed at Telangana formation day festival in (Malvern – PA June 2019)
- At Festival of India (Philadelphia Downtown – 2015, 2016)
- At Harrisburg, PA – Indo-American Cultural Festival (2017)
- At Mudra Dance Festival – Chalfont PA- Bharatheeya Temple (2016, 2023)
- In Chinmaya Mission Harley’s Ville ( 2023)
Learn Kuchipudi
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
Dance Journeys
