Profile - T Reddi Lakshmi

T.Reddi Lakshmi is among the established and reputable performers in the present generation of Kuchipudi artists in India. For her Kuchipudi is, far from being just an art form that she performs with unparalleled passion, a way of life, a devotion. This unwavering commitment towards the performing art was formed deep roots on moving to Delhi and training with eminent Kuchipudi Gurus, Padmasri Jayarama Rao & Vanashree Rao, for over 20 years now.

Her performances, adjudged by some of the most unforgiving critics of the Indian classical dances, have received remarkable acclaim for reflecting her sincerity and dedication towards the classical art form. Critics have time and again anointed her the ‘complete dancer’ carrying the quintessential quicksilver movements typical to the Kuchipudi style. For her appealing rendition of various abhinayas, she has been admired alike by some of the doyens of various classical dance forms, as from most sought after critics. She has performed widely in India and abroad in solo performances and has also danced alongside her Gurus. She has performed in countries like South Korea, Peru, Costa Rica, Canada, Malaysia, Bhutanunder the flag of ICCR.

She has also had the privilege of performing in the Rashtrapati Bhawan, before Presidents of the BRICS countries and in Pragati Maidan in the year 2016 again. She is also conducting free Kuchipudi classes for underprivileged children from SamarpanSchoolin Delhi, besides her regular workshop demonstrations under the SPICMACAYand IRCEN.

Lakshmi is the Founder Director of “Nritya Vahini Academy of Performing Arts”in Delhi. With the idea that true appreciation of one’s own cultural heritage is only complete with exposure, knowledge and the ability to admire other cultures, Nritya Vahini treats culture being adaptive and evolving, rather than static and set in stone. Therefore, emphasis is laid on both propagating and preserving the Indian cultural heritage, while imbibing and adaptive to positive influences from cultures across borders, through cultural exchange programs.

She conducts Kuchipudi Classes at various centers in Delhi through her Academy and also initiated a National Young Dancers Festival called PRAGYA- Unvieling the Talentin the year 2017. Her recent performance at the prestigious Music Academy Annual Festival– 2017was appreciated by the most sought Gurus and Critics who were present.