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.
Guru's
Smt. R.Prasanna Rani
Smt. R.Prasanna Rani
R. Prasanna Rani, Director of Nrityodaya Kuchipudi Dance Institute, has trained thousands of young dancers. She was a Lecturer at Govt. Music & Dance College, Hyderabad for four decades, learning from Bhagavathula Ramakotayya and Vedantham Jagannatha Sharma. Introduced into movies by Akkineni Nageswara Rao, she acted in 20 films before focusing on dance. After returning from cinema, she polished her talent under Surya Prakash Sharma, completing Kuchipudi exams and joining the Govt. Music & Dance College. Despite leaving cinema for dance, she had to stop performing and turned to teaching. Her dedication to classical dance is admirable.