How I Started Dance

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I was around 5 when I saw my first Kuchipudi dance performance. I was mesmerized by the dancers' stiff, yet smooth movements, and their expressions that explained so much about the song, as well as the story behind the song.

I joined dance in March of 2010 with Smt. Neelima Gadamanugu, and her organization Nataraja Natyanjali. When I was younger, I was very involved with dancing, and when any song came on, I would always drop what I was doing, and dance. The next thing I know, I was walking into the dance studio, holding my mother's hand. As soon as I walked in and sat down, I saw 10 dancers performing one of of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard, Thillana. This specific song became one of the first songs I chose to do in my rangapravesham.

The first big dance performance I remember was a performance for NATS, or North American Telugu Society. It was a folk dance, where I had to wear one of my most iconic costumes. I recall being very nervous, but that adrenaline rush paid off, as that performance went off without a hitch.

Hanumanth Vaibhavam was my first ever out-of-state dance performance. The performance was in North Carolina, which was a good 4-5 hours away from home. The performance itself was a fundraising event for a temple honoring Hanuman. It was also the first performance without my parents.  It was a big step, and the performance was beautiful, and we ended up raising enough money for the temple.

My first annual dance recital, after 4 years of practicing, was in 2014. I was one of the few students in my specific group of students that were able to perform bigger items with the more experienced dancers. It was also one of the first times I performed with my, now, dance group.

Through dance, I've met many different people, all who have played many different parts in my life, and I am thankful for them all. However, 5 girls have always stuck beside me, and have pushed me through to where I am today.