Saroja Kolluru's Rangapravesam
Kuchipudi is a divine form of classical dance, deriving its name from the remote
Dancer Saroja Kolluru began her journey into the precious art forms of Kuchipudi and Carnatic music seven years ago. village in Andhra Pradesh, where it was born. Siddhendra Yogi is said to be the first scholar to give Kuchipudi its current form of dance drama. In its original incarnation, Kuchipudi was dominated by men, and the main purpose of the themes depicted was to inculcate the divine ecstasy that invokes immortal bliss and brings one close to the path of salvation.
Kuchipudi is well known for its elegance, charm and grace. The movements in Kuchipudi are quicksilver and scintillating, and Kuchipudi is performed to classical Carnatic music. Kuchipudi has been protected and refined by great legends, such as Sri Vedantam Lakshminarayana Sastry, Sri Vedantam Rathayya Sarma and the legendary Padma Bhushan Dr. Sri Vempati Chinna Satyam, who have brought worldwide recognition to this unique art form.
In addition to the dance dramas, a number of solo items are now a part of the Kuchipudi repertoire. As a dance form has gone through a complete transition from the times in which men played female roles to the point where women perform as well, even playing male roles at times. Today, Kuchipudi stands on a high pedestal within the global art world.
About Dr. Vempati
Chinna Satyam:
Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam (also known as Mastaru garu) was born into a traditional family of dancers in the village of Kuchipudi.
Early on, dance was intermingled into Dr. Vempati's blood and veins. Vedantam Lakshimi Narayana Sastry, a great master in the field, initiated the young Dr. Vempati into this great art. As he learned the nuances of this style of dance, Dr. Vempati grew very keen to see this great heritage permeate stages all over the world. With the burning desire to spread Kuchipudi, Dr. Vempati started the Kuchipudi Art Academy at Madras in 1963. He was also awarded the prestigious Padma Bhushan award by the Government of India.
Rangapravesam:
Rangam in Telugu means 'the stage' and Pravesam in Telugu means 'entering or ascending.' Hence, Rangapravesam is the 'ascending of the stage.' This is a level where the student has mastered the technique of certain items in this dance form with expertise and perfection.
Saroja Kolluru, a disciple under the guidance of Guru Smt. Divya D. Yeluri, is graduating in Padma Bhushan, Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam Garu's style of Kuchipudi.
Dancer Saroja Kolluru:
Saroja began her journey into the precious art forms of Kuchipudi and Carnatic music seven years ago. Over the years, she has given numerous performances throughout the Northeast Region for organizations such as TACT, TFAS, TLCA, ICSR, ATA, TAGDV, Silicon Andhra, Zalak, March of Dimes and several others, winning a number of awards and plentiful recognition.
Saroja has received first place more than once for facial expressions and intricate movements in her solo and group performances. She
has also performed in India, for her beloved relatives.
Saroja also portrayed important roles in dance dramas such as 'Bhakta Prahlada' and 'Hari Sankeertanacharya Annamayya'. In June 2008, Saroja participated in the International Kuchipudi Convention held at Cupertino, CA and contributed in achieving a Guinness World record for the largest group to perform Kuchipudi. Saroja has received a certificate from the Guinness Book of World Records in this regard.
Mrs. Meena Malladi is her Carnatic music guru. Saroja has given several music performances over the last six years at TACT, TFAS, TLCA, Shrutilaya, Thyagaraja Aradhana and Annamayya Aradhana festivals at many temples in the Tri-State area and the Midwest (Ohio).
This Rangapravesam is the result of many years of passion, dedication and hard work. Kuchipudi dance and Carnatic music have become an integral part of Saroja's life and she wishes to continue learning these art forms after her Rangapravesam.
Saroja is a junior at Danbury High School, and academically, she stands out with high honors. She is the founder and president of Health Occupation Students of America at Danbury High School. Recently, she received an Outstanding Research award for her work on Glutamate Receptors at Columbia
University.
She wants to major in the field of medicine and hopes to become a neurosurgeon. She also wishes to pass on Kuchipudi dance and Carnatic music to future generations and to be known as 'Natya Mayuri' and 'Sangeeta Kala Nidhi'.
Another of Saroja's endearing characteristics was brought to my attention by those who know this special young woman. With a very modest and unassuming nature, she calmly takes things in her stride, remaining unaffected by the many praises or successes that come her way.
Saroja would like to thank God, her family, teachers and friends for all their support and encouragement. They have given her the courage to continue her passion for dance and music.
