Sydney witnessed a magnificent celebration of Indian classical dance on October 18, 2025, as Mayura Academy hosted its annual Kuchipudi concert at the Multipurpose Centre, Pacific Hills Christian School in Dural, Sydney. The evening was a large-scale cultural showcase of rhythm, storytelling, and devotion, featuring students trained under Guru Sri Venkata Ramana Karanam, one of the premier exponents of Kuchipudi in Australia. All students of Mayura Academy (about 140 students) participated in the concert, barring a few who were busy with their HSC exam preparation.
The concert was much more than a student recital—it was a living tribute to the timeless elegance of Kuchipudi, one of India’s oldest classical dance forms. Each performance combined intricate footwork, expressive storytelling, and narrative depth. The show’s theme centered on the triumph of good over evil and the celebration of light, echoing the spirit of the Vijayadashami and Diwali season.
The program started with sloka recital by the young kids, followed by Mahaganapathim (an invocatory item performed in praise of lord Ganesha), Rajasree Shabdam (in praise of King Pratap Singha), Brahmanjal (a salutation to lord Shiva), Dasavathara Shabdham (illustrates the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu), First Set Steps (performed by young kids. More than 80 steps which each student learns at the beginning of their Kuchipudi career); Vinayaka Kowthvam (an item in praise of Lord Vinayaka), Indariki Abhayamu (Annamacharya praises for Lord Venkatesa), Garuda Gamana Tava (a keerthana in praise of Lord Vishnu), Pushpanjali (an item in praise of Goddess Durga), Natesha (an obeisance paid to Lord Nataraja), Krishnam Kalayasakhi (a popular Tarangam written by Narayana Teertha), Gajaananayutham (a composition by Muthuswamy Dikshitar, composed in praise of Lord Ganesha), Jathis Male (a combination of various adugus or basic steps which are intertwined and set to a particular taalam), Geetham (praise of goddess Saraswati), Jathiswaram (a song consisting of only swaras and jathis to which the dancer dances without any abhinaya or expression), Second Set Steps (by the young students), Slokas (a distinct verse in praise of deities), Bhoomi Mangalam (a devotional song and a prayer for auspiciousness and tranquility), Tarangam: Neela Megha Sareera (a devotional piece describing the divine beauty and grace of Lord Krishna), Namashivayathe (in praise of lord Shiva), Shiva Namaskaratha Mantra (performed by a group of mums and dad, in praise of Lord Shiva), Koluvaithiva (an item where the grandeur of Rangasai is explained by the dancer using various gestures), Sri Ragavam (the story of Lord Rama), Thillana (a composition by Swati Tirunal), and concluded with Pavamana (Mangalam for all students).
The highlights of the show were the Shiva Namaskaratha Mantra, Thillana & Krishnam Kalayasakhi
The chief guest, Dr Jyothi Marry garu, lauded the efforts of Guru Ramana garu in keeping the tradition of Kuchipudi alive and explained the benefits of dance for both mental and physical growth of a person
The evening featured group and solo performances that skillfully showcased Kuchipudi’s hallmark blend of graceful gestures, athletic movement, and rhythmic precision. Dancers captivated the audience with stories from Hindu epics—depicting divine characters through expressive abhinaya and classical music accompaniment. The colourful costumes, traditional jewellery, and live orchestra created a visually rich, immersive stage experience.
The event drew an audience of families, art enthusiasts, and cultural dignitaries from Sydney’s Indian and broader multicultural communities. Parents and students collaborated tirelessly behind the scenes, reinforcing Mayura Academy’s commitment to community-driven art and inclusive participation. The concert was not just a performance, but also a cultural bridge connecting Australian audiences with India’s artistic heritage.
Founded in 1990 by Guru Venkata Ramana and Srivani Karanam, Mayura Academy has branches in Bella Vista, Schofields, Wentworthville and Westmead, training hundreds of students in Kuchipudi’s traditional and technical aspects. The academy remains deeply rooted in preserving classical dance while nurturing new generations of performers in Australia.
Guru Venkata Ramana garu is preparing three of his senior students for their Rangapravesham in 2026—Sriharshitha Puthi on 23rd May 2026, Hruthika Dasari on 31 May 2026 and Ayushvi Bhavaraj on 31 October 2026.
As the final curtain fell, the auditorium resounded with applause—a heartfelt acknowledgment of the young dancers’ discipline, artistry, and devotion. The concert reaffirmed Mayura Academy’s reputation as one of Sydney’s finest Indian cultural institutions, blending heritage, performance excellence, and community spirit into a memorable celebration of art. Venkata Ramana garu profusely thanked everyone for the successful event
In every rhythmic step and expressive glance, Mayura Academy’s performers reaffirmed what Kuchipudi stands for: a dance form where devotion meets discipline, and tradition finds new life on modern stage.
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