Concern over poor state of Andhra University Dance Department

Varsity ready to host three-day seminar on Yakshagana

Kuchipudi exponent Anupama Mohon from Ernakulam and one of the first students of Guru Vempati China Satyam explaining the nuances of Kuchipudi at a workshop conducted at Andhra University Dance Department in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam

Though Andhra University is possibly the first in the State to establish a dance department, today there is hardly any academic contribution from the department, director of the Kuchipudi International Dance Festival at Kuchipudi Pasumarthy Keshav Prasad pointed out.

There is a lot of discussion happening on development of research methodology exclusively for the study of dance forms like Kuchipudi, he said at a seminar-cum-workshop organised at the Department of Dance of the Andhra University by Nataraj Music and Dance Academy in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. He offered to conduct a three-day seminar on Yakshagana and the Andhra University was ready to host it.

The Andhra University is called Andhra Vishwakalaparishat in Telugu, in other words it is the home of all arts in the universe, principal University College of Arts and Commerce Sreeramamurthy said. Right from the time he joined the University in the 70s he was keen on developing at least one fine arts section in the university, he said.

He promised to extend all possible help to develop the fine arts and performing arts departments in the university. Filling up of faculty vacancies was possible only when a regular vice-chancellor was appointed, he explained.

The principal was instrumental in ensuring that a large number of students got admission in Kuchipudi certificate course in the department, alumni of the department and founder president of Nataraja Music & Dance Academy B Vikram Goud said. He urged everyone to help create job opportunities for the students who got a degree in dance and thereby encourage more to take up such courses.

Later, Kuchipudi exponent and teacher from Kerala Anupama Mohon recalled her association with Guru Vempati Chinna Satyam and narrated her experiences as a student. She also instructed the students of certificate course, diploma course and post graduate course of the Department in various ‘hastas’ and ‘charis’.

She showed the correct posture for holding the arms while performing various ‘hastas’ and explained how the feet should be placed in Kuchipudi.

Principal of Sidhendra Kalapeetham, Kuchipudi, Vedantham Ramalinga Sastry, noted dancers A L Manga Tayaru of Mummidivaram, Sanchita Lahoti of Bangalore and other students and dancers were also present.