Hyderabad recently came alive with the vibrant colors and rhythms of India's classical dance traditions. Over 150 dancers from 20 different academies performed in a day-long celebration at the CESS Auditorium in Greenlands, Begumpet. The event showcased iconic dance styles like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, and Andhra Natyam.
The program, held on a Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM, was hosted by the Amrutha Cultural Trust. Its purpose was to reignite public interest in traditional Indian dance and to honor the artists who dedicate their lives to preserving this rich heritage.
Distinguished guests, including retired IAS officer Vinod Agarwal and renowned Andhra Natyam performer Kala Krishna, attended the event. They praised the organizers for bringing together such a wide range of talent, calling the showcase “a spiritual revival of Indian classical arts.”
A panel of respected jurors—Shirusha Amar, Padma Denduluri, Vanashree Proddatur, Veena Ganesh, Sunila Gollapudi, Sushma Uday Mahanti, and Chaitanya Kusumapriya—judged the performances. Dancers were evaluated on several aspects, including mudras (hand gestures), abhinaya (expression), group coordination, costume design, audience engagement, and the smart use of digital tools.
The event featured performances from respected institutions such as:
– Nrityanjali Kuchipudi Natyalayam
– LahariShree Nrutya Niketan
– Natya Sandhya Kuchipudi Dance Academy
– SKM Fine Arts Academy
– Tarangini Kathak Kendra
– Sri Radhika Sangeet & Nritya Academy
– Nishrunkala Nritya Academy
– Rind Sharanya Kuchipudi Dance Academy
– Sridevi Natyalaya
– Yogini Institute of Performing Arts
– Kala Nritya Niketan
– Sharada Kalakshetra
– Bhavana's Kuchipudi Dance Academy
– Nrityajyothi Dance School
– Shaankari Kuchipudi & Sangeet Academy
– Sumedha Center for Performing Arts
– Kalabhoomi
– Sri Chaitanya Kuchipudi Kalakshetram
– Nritya Kinnera
– The Temple Dance
– Samanvaya Dance Company
All together, 143 dancers amazed the crowd with their synchronized steps, expressive storytelling, and colorful traditional attire.
The team behind the event—Vishal Arya, Revathi Puppala, Seetha Anand Vaidyam, and Anupama—explained the vision of the Amrutha Cultural Trust. They aim to give classical dancers a strong platform and use modern technology to help their art reach wider audiences.
Founders Rajesh Pagadala and Bhargavi Pagadala also shared their long-term goals. Through events like Muvvala Savvadi (Melodious Footsteps) and their annual festival Natyatoranam, they hope to make Hyderabad a leading hub for classical dance in India.
This celebration was more than just a performance—it was a powerful reminder of how art preserves culture and brings people together.
