The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Dancers floored by facilities

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Wednesday, Jan 07, 2009
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Dancers floored by facilities

K.N. Murali Sankar

KUCHIPUDI (Krishna dist): The dancers from different parts of the country, who descended on this village to participate in the three-day ‘Kuchipudi Natyotsavam’, are joyous to see the place getting a complete facelift.

The Potti Sriramulu Telugu University (PSTU), in association with the Department of Culture, organised the festival, with the participation of over 50 artistes of various dance forms from outside Kuchipudi, besides local dancers and dance gurus.

“I have come here after a brief gap and it is a total metamorphosis. This village can now host national and international dance festivals,” said Yasoda Thakore of Hyderabad.

This Kuchipudi dancer-turned-Vilasini dancer, who visited the place about ‘dozen times’, predicted that the Siddhendra Yogi Kuchipudi Kalapeetham would attract more and more students and dancers in the near future. “Till now, lack of facilities was the main problem for many enthusiasts who want to learn this famous dance form at its place of birth. But now, one can fulfill their dream without any hesitation,” said Dr. Thakore.

“When I was informed that I have to perform in a small village, I was a bit hesitant,” recalled Pavitra Reddy, a member of the Bangalore-based Swarupasen Bijayini Sathwathi Odissi dance troupe.

“Since it is the birth place of a famous dance form, I took a chance. But, when I landed here, I realised that this place is not inferior to any other city in terms of facilities and arrangements,” she observed.

Patronage

She felt that the dais was somewhat inconvenient to conduct national-level festivals.

“But, we have to keep in mind that it is a small village. Once the dais gets revamped, it can host any festival,” she noted.

“Patronage is another problem here. Now the crowd is better, compared to what it was yesteryears. But still, there is a need to well-publicise the programmes and provide special transport to connoisseurs of art,” said Anupama Kailash, a noted performer and Kuchipudi guru.

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