(Recently , I attended an Autumn Cultural Festival, a mesmerizing blend of Classical Kuchipudi dance, Bharatnatyam, and spiritual meditation sessions! It was breathtaking with artists from Andhra performing on Draupadi. Talented Artists from various parts of the world got an opportunity to display the rich cultural heritage. –Rashmi Mishra)
THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT, UK
From September 14th to October 6th, Pyramid Yoga and Dance Academy ( PYDA) in association with sampradayaam and PMC UK, organized Kuchipudi dance workshops and cultural programs throughout the UK, celebrating Indian classical arts. Notable performances include the Draupathi Ballet and Kamasutra, which have been key attractions for their artistry and storytelling in this Autumn Cultural Festival 2024. In addition to performances, Breath mindfullness sessions were offered to facilitate mental health and general well-being. The programs feature a wide range of Indian dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Odissi. Renowned dance teachers from around the world have come together to share their expertise and enrich the performances, making this a unique cultural celebration across the UK. In this seasons programmes conducted at Priston, Oldham Manchester, Indian Consulate, Birmingham, Coventry, Crawly, London, Elsberry .
Sampradaayam Kuchipudi Gurukulam, Andhra Pradesh team performed in this festival. Kuchipudi Dancer & Sampradaayam Kuchipudi Gurukulam Director swathy somanath along with her team, K. Balram, Yamini Kasireddy, N. Anjali & Chandu Chandini (Andhra Natyam Exponent) participated.
The main attraction was Padmavathi Pulamarasetty (CEO,Pyda International) who played Dussasana character in Draupadi ballet. She is a natural talent because dance vedeos were sent from India prior to the event. She practiced just looking at the videos & gave enchanting portrayal of Dussasana.
On 22nd September @ Oldham festival, the artiste who was supposed to play Dussasana character could not arrive due to Flight delay. Padma extremely busy with the event works on stage sat in make in the last moment & performed the character of Dussasana. She is a fantastic extempore artiste adept in handling a performance under tremendous pressure.
Kuchipudi Dance Workshops organised at various places were very productive. Interaction with NRI students gave an input to their requirements regarding status of Kuchipudi Dance in UK. And many students enrolled for online classes with Sampradaayam Gurukulam in collaboration with Pyda International.
Performances of Draupadi & Kamasutra were received with standing Ovation. Some of the audience even went to an extent of coming on to the stage and offered sashtaanga namaskaaram (Indian Prostrated Salutation) to the team.
