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 mindfulness 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 their performances, making this a unique cultural celebration across the UK. In this season’s programmes conducted at Preston, Oldham Manchester, Indian Consulate, Birmingham, Coventry, Crawly, London, Aylesbury.
Sampradaayam Kuchipudi Gurukulam, AndhraPradesh 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 (AndhraNatyam 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 videos were sent from India prior to the event. She practiced just looking at the video & 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 was 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 managing a performance under tremendous pressure.
The Kuchipudi Dance Workshops organized 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 received 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.
By: Padmavathi Pulamarasetti
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These are great examples of we Britsh Indians spread the aura of our ruch ancient culture via Bharatbaytam
If only other religious communities learn from us..