Around 60 students from Bharatha Kala Kshetram performed at a Talent Expo on the occasion of the school’s first anniversary celebrations in Hyderabad. The students, of various ages, showcased both traditional Kuchipudi and western dance forms, captivating the audience.
Renowned Kuchipudi dancer VVS Jagannadha Rao and Srinivas Rao Goddu, Associate Dean of International Affairs at Andhra University, were the chief guests at the event. Jagannadha Rao, a disciple of Padma Bhusan Vempati Chinna Satyam, praised the young talent of the dance school. Niharika Chowdary, the founder of Bharatha Kala Kshetram, is also a student of Jagannadha Rao.
Niharika Chowdary, known as ‘Aata’ Niharika, started performing classical dance at the age of three. Despite her young age, she has already won numerous national and state level awards in Odissi, Kuchipudi, and western dance forms. She was also crowned the winner of popular dance shows like Zee Telugu Aata 5 Juniors and ETV Telugu Dhoom.
Despite receiving offers from the Telugu film industry, Niharika chose to focus on her education. She completed her BCA with distinction and turned down a job offer to pursue a Master of Performing Arts (MPA) at Sri Siddhendra Yogi Kala Peetham. Niharika plans to continue her studies and eventually earn a PhD in Kuchipudi.
The Talent Expo was organized to showcase the skills of Niharika’s students, who have learned both classical and western dance forms. Niharika remains humble and continues to see herself as a learner in the art of Kuchipudi.
