THE ACADEMY

Academy of Kuchipudi Dance, Inc. is formed to advance the process of bringing the Kuchipudi art into the homes and communities of Atlanta and its neighboring cities. Its agenda includes teaching Kuchipudi dance, based on the guiding principles formulated by Guru Vempati, producing dance-dramas, and promoting the knowledge of this classical art to the next generation. In 2022, the Academy celebrated its 25th Anniversary with the premiere presentation of Kuchipudi Dance Ballet Chenchitha Parinayam, as a fundraiser for the advancement of Vedic Studies.

THE DIRECTOR

Sasikala Penumarthi is a senior disciple of Guru Padmabhushan Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam. She is a recipient of the Master Artist Award from the Georgia Arts Council and the National Foundation for the Advancement of Arts. She serves as Artist Affiliate and Associate Faculty at Emory University, where she teaches full credit semester courses in Kuchipudi Dance. She is on the Georgia Council for the Arts state touring and teaching artist rosters, and performs/teaches all over the United States. Sasikala and her troupe, on behalf of the Academy of Kuchipudi Dance, presented several dance dramas to Atlanta audiences and other parts of the United States. Sasikala choreographed and produced seven dance dramas, over 75 dance items in Kuchipudi Style and presented 38 student graduation performances.

Learn More

Website: kuchipudi.us