Curriculum
Gurukul Academy enrolls students 5 years and up. We teach the exquisite style or Bani, of Guru, Padma Bhushan, Dr.Vempati Chinna Satyam. Our focus is instilling correct and flawless technique, expansive Abhinaya or expressions and teaching an authentic Kuchipudi repertory, as delineated by the great master and our current visiting Guru, Sri Jaikishore Mosalikanti. Master’s style of Kuchipudi is beautifully structured and students begin by learning basic steps and progress to ‘Jathis’ or small rhythmic dance sequences. They learn the finer points of Tala or rhythm, hand gestures or Mudras and foot positions or Padabhedas. Thereafter they progress to learn dances from the Kuchipudi repertoire and finer points of Abhinaya. Culminating in learning the Tarangam, or plate dance, that is a distinctive feature of Kuchipudi.
Rangapravesham
After anywhere between 8-10 years of intensive training, a student maybe ready for a Rangapravesham, or stage debut. Rangapraveshams or Arengeatrams are traditionally a Solo Debut event in every Indian classical style of dance. It tests a dancers skills at every level. The dancer should have excellent technique, fluid expressions, a strong grasp of rhythm, stamina and good stage presence. A dancer that completes Rangapravesham should have the skills and capacity to become a professional dancer, if desired. Gurukul has set a high standard for itself, and students and teachers work together diligently towards achieving such results. Periodically, Gurukul presents 2 or 3 students simultaneously, but without compromising on the traditional format of a Rangapravesham. Each student has to perform solo dances. After Rangapravesham, students are inducted into the Dance Company.