Kuchipudi Art Academy (Shobha Naidu)

Truly a queen bee among lesser mortals, Nritya Choodamani Padmashri Shobha Naidu stands out in stark contrast to her drab surroundings. Her simple sari, long hair and kajal-lined eyes lend her a grace and elegance that few possess and most envy.

Naidu is a popular dancer, and at once looks appealing to the masses. She teaches and practices in an extremely dedicated manner at this renowned institution, which has a hostel facility with an annual intake of 60 students to study for 4 years for the "Natya Visarada" title. The institution also sees a number of foreign students catching up with short courses.

Naidu's primary aim for the Academy is to nurture young talent and train children to take the art forward. As part of this, poor children are taught free of charge. You need only interest and aptitude to enter and excel in this temple to dance.

Classes are conducted from 5:00pm to 6:00pm for beginners, and from 6:00 pm onwards for seniors. A regular and serious child can go from being a beginner to a senior in about two years. Students at the Academy regularly give public performances and are widely appreciated throughout the nation for their talent and unique style.

Having dedicated her entire life to the pursuit and promotion of dance, Naidu has tasted a great deal of success both in India and abroad. As a performer, she has always enchanted audiences with her very aura and presence. Her productions include varied thematic subjects from mythical to social, which are choreographed in detail with an elaborate cast, music, dance, drama and script.

Some people say that Shobha seems to be fascinated by elaborate stage settings with props and other gimmicks provided by the Surabhi Theater for her nritya natikas. Though the colorful and laborious effort attracts the masses, some would feel that the lucid choreography and mode of dance presentation itself is enough for an imaginative production, devoid of the props. Chandalika, Kalyana Srinivasam, Vijayostute Nari and Sarvam Sai Mayam are a few of her nritya natikas that are repeatedly presented on popular demand.

Having dedicated her entire life to the pursuit and promotion of dance, Naidu has tasted a great deal of success both in India and abroad, with one of the latest accolades being the coveted Padmashri. The disciple of Vempati Chinna Satyam had also been awarded the Sangeet Natak Academy award way back in 1990. And the Nritya Choodamani by the Krishna Gana Sabha.

People say there's more to come.