The pandemic offered a unique opportunity to learn new things and test our limits as artists. In the same spirit, I conducted a virtual workshop, exploring few typical kuchipudi aduvus and an excerpt from the famous Kuchipudi piece- Usha Parinayam in the form of a shloka-Abhinayam.
The piece weaves a dream sequence of Princess Usha and her lover Aniruddha and the eventual yearning to be reunited with the love of her life. Brimming in shringara rasa, the piece is a part of the more extensive traditional Kuchipudi dance-drama ‘Usha Parinayam.’
Spanning over 8 days, 90 mins per session, this workshop explored an extensive understanding of the intricate elements of Kuchipudi.
2021 © Bouffe Bar & Restaurant. All rights reserved.
Legendary Kuchipudi Dancing couple, Raja and Radha Reddy, is responsible for bringing Kuchipudi dance, the pride of Andhra Pradesh, onto the cultural map of the world.
Legendary Kuchipudi Dancing couple, Raja and Radha Reddy, is responsible for bringing Kuchipudi dance, the pride of Andhra Pradesh, onto the cultural map of the world.
For their contribution to the art form they have been decorated with many awards nationally and internationally. They have had the honor of performing for presidents and prime ministers of many countries such as President Ford, Bill Clinton, Fidel Castro etc. They have conducted charity shows for Red Cross Society, Blind Relief Association, and the home for the aged people in Bombay and CRY. They had the honor of being invited as the first Indian dancers to participate in the International Dance festival of Avignon in France and Salzburg in Austria.
The couple’s contribution to the festival of India in the USA and the UK was considered outstanding. They were the star attraction of the All Star Ballet Gala festival in Japan. The Reddys inaugurated the India Festival in Bangladesh. Raja and Radha Reddy have created history by becoming the first couple to receive Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan award individually and simultaneously for the same cause by the President of India, the Sangeet Natak Academy award, International Meridian award etc.