Kuchipudi, one of the oldest dance forms derived from Natya Sastra originated at Krishna district in Andhra Pradesh. This dance form has pure dance called Nritta with an expressive part and Nritya added with different patterns of gestures synchronized along the vocals and instruments played in background. It feels proud to say we have a whole institution supporting this dance form in Vizag – the Kuchipudi Kalakshetram. Founded by legendary classical dancer and Padma Bhushan awardee Vempati Chinna Satyam, this dance academy was once a hot spot for dance lovers.
This academy that was built in 1983 on approximately 14520 square yards of land has unfortunately lost its glory in the last decade. Reasons being, a court case by Forest Department accusing them on encroaching their land, followed by Visakha Valley School’s attempt to occupy it considering no one was conducting dance classes anymore. This however was not permanent. The former district Collector’s involvement in this case proved to be in support of the Academy solving all issues at once.
Now the GOOD NEWS! It’s going to get revamped. Yes, you heard it right. The much loved dance academy that boasts of some excellent alumni will come back to glory very soon. Secretary cum founder’s son Vempati Venkat reportedly said he will not rely on government for this advancement and rather bring in the needed fund privately from former students. “It would cost around 5 crores in converting the academy into Gurukul”, he said.
A dance teacher of this academy, Y Hanumantha Rao shared his feedback on how they are teaching around 40 students at present and their idea for the future is to join hands with Visakha Valley School for giving classes to their students. He also reportedly added that the GVMC and VUDA authorities should improve the infra near academy providing proper roads and lighting for attracting more and more students to join their academy.
Former students and dance seekers have proposed on speeding up refurbishment works and converting it into a symbolic dance academy of the north coastal province.
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