The International Center for Kuchipudi Dance is an online institution preserving the tradition of Kuchipudi, founded in 2020 by Bhavana Reddy, daughter and student of renowned artists Raja Radha Reddy (Padma Bhushan awardees). Bhavana has over 17 years of teaching and 30 years of performance experience. The center started when her tours in 2020 were canceled due to the pandemic, leading her to create a 15-day online practice session on Instagram. This generated interest and led to the establishment of ICKD. Currently, we have students from various states in North America, including California, Seattle, Oregon, Arizona, Texas, Ohio, Virginia, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York, as well as from Canada, The Bahamas, India, Luxembourg, and Oman.
ICKD, founded by Bhavana Reddy, world renowned young Kuchipudi Dance Artiste, operates virtually, where disciples from across the world (UK, USA, Dubai, Singapore and Europe) train under her, online and in regular live classes.
Bhavana Reddy has had the great blessing to live, breathe and learn under her parents, Dr.s Raja Radha Reddy and Kaushalya Reddy, legendary Kuchipudi dancers, gurus, and choreographers, Padma Bhushan awardees and the great responsibility to carry their legacy forward.
The institution continues to grow, building upon the teachings of her gurus. Bhavana Reddy's teaching philosophies have nurtured a wide range of students - both experienced and beginner, adults and kids.
ICKD hosts annual camps and student showcases that allow the students to participate virtually or in person, showcase their talents and in turn grow in experience in the field of Kuchipudi Dance as a performing artform. Passion and curiosity is encouraged in the art form by providing those who are dedicated, the platform irrespective of economic and geographical background. Each year one - two students receive up to 100% tuition aid in regular classes and the annual concert.
In the past the virtual concert has been inaugurated by Dept Chief of Mission Embassy of India, USA Smt Sripriya Ranganathan, Chairman SNA Dr. Sandhya Purecha, Mr. Leo Spreksel Advisory Board Ministry of Culture Netherlands. While the SF based annual concerts have been inaugurated by the Consul Generals of San Francisco, Dr. T.V. Nagendra Prasad and Dr. K. Srikar Reddy. We have received letters and videos of appreciation from Minister of Culture, Govt of India Sri Kisan Reddy and ICCR President Sri Vinay Sahasrabuddhe.
The institute has also been supported by local organizations University of SiliconAndhra, Bay Area Telugu Association and international media such Virijallu Radio, India Currents Magazine, Narthaki.com, the Statesman Newspaper and the Hindu Newspaper.
Deserving students have been selected to perform with their guru at international events such as the NCPA Mumbai, Telugu Association of Southern California in LA, Tribal Museum, Ujjain Madhya Pradesh and The Election Commission of India, New Delhi to name a few.
Bhavana Reddy, a two-time national award winner, is a recognized artist with the Indian Diplomacy Council, ICCR, and Doordarshan. She represents Kuchipudi Dance in various countries to enhance India's diplomatic, political, and cultural ties. Additionally, she is recognized as a leading expert in Kuchipudi in the academic textbooks of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). Her Kuchipudi stage career spans over three decades as she began as a prodigal soloist in her legendary family's dance quintet. She is trained by Kuchipudi Dancers Raja and Radha Reddy and carries the burden and privilege of legacy. Raja Radha Reddy are the contemporaries of western ballet icons Nureyev and Dupont with whom they shared the stage at the Salzburg, Avignon Festivals and the All Star Ballet Gala Festival in Japan. Bhavana has been guided and trained by her father, Dr. Raja Reddy, who received India's third-highest civilian award. She has been trained to serve as a dancer extraordinaire, unrelenting educator, institution builder and innovative choreographer. Her experience in these matters is unmatched for a Kuchipudi dance artist of her age.
Bhavana is a celebrated young classical dancer in India, known worldwide for her Kuchipudi performances. She has received notable awards, such as the Indian National Award - SNA Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar and a grant from choreographer Jiri Kylian’s Foundation. Bhavana is dedicated to her art through research, performance, and teaching. As a full-time performer, she aims to promote Kuchipudi dance globally in today’s digital world. The International Center for Kuchipudi Dance (ICKD) is nurturing this ancient tradition with students from the USA, Europe, UAE, Australia, Canada, Bahamas, Malaysia, and India. Each year, students participate in a workshop and showcase as part of their training.
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