“I started dancing when I was four. At that age, it wasn’t something I thought much about-it just made me happy. In Hyderabad, where I studied until the 2nd standard, my mornings often started with watching classical songs on the DD channel and practicing the movements. Also some of the superhit Telugu movies like Nartanasala and Chandramukhi made me fall in love with the Kuchipudi dance artform.
When my family moved back to our village, Nagarjuna Peta, in Nalgonda District, I thought I might not get the chance to make dance as a career. However, with the guidance of my Guru Dastagiri Master, I participated in my first district-level competition in Kuchipudi while I was pursuing my high school. I didn’t have the fancy costumes other kids wore, but when I won, it felt like the start of something bigger. Seeing my photo in newspapers and on TV made me realize that my dancing journey could be more than just a hobby.
In school, I read about Vempati Chinna Satyam Garu, the Kuchipudi legend, and dreamt of training at his academy in Chennai. My parents supported me wholeheartedly even though it was a struggle for them financially as I belong to a humble agricultural family. Later, I started advanced training in Hyderabad under Bhagyalatha Madam at Tyagaraja Kalashetram, and later, with the help of Vijay Garu, I joined the Kuchipudi Art Academy in Chennai. Learning under Smt. Vempati Shreemoyi Garu taught me the discipline and commitment needed to grow as a dancer.
By the time I was in the 7th standard, I had already started teaching dance to support myself. It wasn’t easy-costumes, travel, and training were expensive, but my parents worked hard to ensure I could continue.
Coming from a small village, I often faced questions about why I chose classical dance as a career. But to me, Kuchipudi isn’t just about performing-it’s a way of life. It has shaped who I am and kept me grounded.
Today, I’ve had the opportunity to perform in front of the dignitaries like KCR Garu and share the stage with many talented artists across several cities.
To the artists reading this, I wanted to say one thing: to nurture your passion with complete dedication. It’s not just about treating it as a hobby or a passing interest-it’s about letting it shape you and bring out your best. And for everyone, let’s remember that our traditions and art forms are more than performances; they’re a reflection of who we are and where we come from.
Kuchipudi has so much to offer, and I hope we can all do our part to keep its legacy alive.”
- Shiva Kumar, Kuchipudi Dance Teacher