A Dance of Devotion: My Journey with Kuchipudi

 A Dance of Devotion: My Journey with Kuchipudi

This picture holds a special place in my heart. It was taken during a performance I gave at my cousin's saree ceremony, fulfilling both my mother's and uncle's wishes. Up until then, I hadn’t performed in front of my entire family, making this moment all the more significant.

Mid-performance, my headset loosened and even came near my eye, but I kept going. In classical dance, especially in Kuchipudi, we believe the dancer is offering devotion to God. No matter what happens during the performance, we don’t stop – and that’s what I did. My mother always told me that not everyone is blessed to be a classical dancer; one must be chosen by Lord Shiva. With that belief, every performance is more than just dance – it's a sacred act of devotion.

Growing up, my classical dance training was deeply rooted in rituals and tradition. We had ceremonies like gajja puja and tambalam, which took place during Ganesh Chaturthi. On the first day of the festival, we would bring fruits and sweets to offer to the gods. Our teacher would bless us after the puja, making the ceremony not just a cultural practice, but a spiritual experience.

From getting ready in our traditional attire, putting on the jewelry, and applying paarni to our hands and feet, every detail was important. During the reign of kings, classical dancers were highly respected and appreciated for their art. Unfortunately, over time, some people have started to treat this as just another activity, but to me, it's far more than that. It’s a blessing, a form of devotion, and a powerful expression of stories and emotions through movement and expression.

Though I was on the path to completing a diploma in classical dance, balancing studies, dance, and the growing pressures of life (like preparing for IIT!) became overwhelming. After five years of learning, I had to step away, not completing the final exams. But my love for Kuchipudi remains strong, and every step, every movement, and every expression will always be close to my heart.

Classical dance is not just an art form; it’s a way to connect with something bigger, a chance to offer devotion through movement, and for me, it will always remain a sacred part of my life.

pooja mattapalli

My Guinness World Record Experience in Kuchipudi Dance 💃

 My Guinness World Record Experience in Kuchipudi Dance 💃

I think I've already mentioned that I'm a classical dancer, and I also participated in a Guinness World Record event. Today, I want to share a special moment about receiving my certificate for that achievement.

The largest Kuchipudi dance, Maha Brinda Natyam, consisted of 5,794 participants, including myself. It was organized by Silicon Andhra during the 3rd International Kuchipudi Dance Convention at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India, on December 25th, 2012.

This experience is one I’ll never forget. The event lasted for three days—two days of intense practice sessions, followed by the grand performance on the final night. The atmosphere was electric! Thousands of dancers performing together, the synchronized rhythm of our anklets, the classical music filling the stadium—oh my god, I can still picture it vividly! Being part of such a huge event was surreal, and I owe it all to my mother. It was her dream, her vision, and her persistence that led me to this stage.

During those three days, we also had the privilege of watching performances by renowned classical dancers like Shobha Naidu garu and a disciple of Vempati Chinna Satyam, though I can't remember her name. Sadly, back then, we didn’t have the luxury of smartphones or cameras to capture those moments. Years later, I found myself angry with my mom, saying, "I've given so many stage performances at various venues, during festivals, at temples—and yet we have no photos!"

Of course, back then we didn’t have the means to document every moment, but now I realize how much I wish we had. It’s ironic—today, we have fancy smartphones, but sometimes we’re too busy or distracted to capture the meaningful moments of life.

What do you think? Do you feel the same way about missing those precious memories from the past?

pooja mattapalli

My First Dance Performance: A Journey of Love and Dedication

 My First Dance Performance: A Journey of Love and Dedication

This picture captures a special moment in my life—my very first dance performance. I haven't shared this part of my journey before, but I trained in the Indian classical dance form Kuchipudi for over five years. My first stage performance took place when I was in 4th grade, at my primary school, Deeksha Daffodils High School.

Interestingly, dance was never something I had envisioned for myself. It was actually my mother's dream. She had always wanted to learn classical dance, but growing up in a village, opportunities were scarce for her. So, when she had me, she made sure to fulfill that dream by enrolling me in Kuchipudi classes.

Of course, like many kids, I often got angry with her for pushing me into something I hadn't chosen. I attended dance classes three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—for over two hours at a stretch. Sometimes, it would last even longer! The learning structure was such that as I advanced, I started teaching the juniors, just as my seniors had once taught me.

Despite my occasional complaints, I did enjoy dancing. But managing both studies and dance practice was sometimes overwhelming, and I’d take out my frustrations on my mother. Looking back, I see now how tirelessly she worked to support me, ensuring I went to both school and dance classes without a hitch.

The day of my first performance is still vivid in my memory. My entire family came to watch me, and I could see the joy on my mother's face as she listened to people appreciating my performance. That moment made all the hard work and practice worth it. Interestingly, my elder brother, who is two years older than me, missed my performance but showed up afterward to take pictures! Getting ready for the performance took almost three hours, and the same amount of time to remove all the jewelry and makeup afterward. It was all part of the experience.

During festival seasons, we used to perform at temples, and some events would go on until 2 a.m. Sometimes, I had to perform more than one dance in a single night—both classical and folk dances! The journey of balancing these performances with my everyday life was challenging, but it was also one of the most beautiful experiences of my childhood.

One of the proudest moments of my dance journey was when I became part of a Guinness World Record performance. I danced at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad as part of the Silicon Andhra program in 2012. I performed twice for the event, though only the first earned us certification.

Looking back on my childhood, I am filled with gratitude for all the experiences that shaped me. Whether it was performing in temples in Tirupati or traveling to Andhra Pradesh for other events, these memories are treasures.

Through it all, my mother has been my strongest pillar. My father traveled frequently due to his work, so it was my mother who managed everything—school, dance classes, and the household. Her patience, strength, and unwavering support were the foundation of my success. She is my constant source of inspiration to stay strong and be bold. Though I’ve never said it to her directly, I want her to know that I love her more than words can express. Everything I’ve achieved is because of her.

pooja mattapalli