Kuchipudi's Houston Hero

BHARATH SOUMITRI GUNTUPALI, 17, is the first male dancer to graduate from the Anjali Center for Performing Arts in Houston in their 25-year history. He proved a worthy student of his guru, Rathna Kumar, at his "Kuchipudi Rangaprevesam," first solo performance, held at the Lillie and Roy Cullen Theatre in downtown Houston. Kuchipudi, the classical dance style of Andhra Pradesh, was named for the tiny village where it originated. It is believed to be the dance of male brahmin priests during the age of Rig Veda, though most performers today are women. Like other classical dance forms, Kuchipudi is based on the Natya Shastra of Sage Bharatha. Physical endurance, quick handling of rhythmic sequences and descriptive skill are the hallmarks of Bharath's program from the invocatory Trideva Stuti to the vividly vigorous Thillana, all testimony to his years of practice. At the request of HINDUISM TODAY, I interviewed the young dancer. Here are some excerpts.