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