Natyanikethan School of Indian Classical and Folk Dance was founded by Guru Kantham Chatlapalli with the mission to create interest and develop passion for Indian dance. For the last 30 years, Kantham Chatlapalli has used this medium to teach patience, discipline, and commitment through the ancient classical art form of Kuchipudi. The school's methodology focuses on keeping instructional groups small, consisting of 3 to 4 students, to allow individual attention. Lessons permit students to not only learn the dance form, but the traditions and culture of India. Through this unique and specialized technique, Natyanikethan has been able to produce dancers that have gone on to affect the reputation of Kuchipudi in the United States.
Students of Natyanikethan have participated in many performances supporting cultural diversity, including “One River, Many Streams Festival” organized by the Dutchess County Arts Council, “Diversity through Dance” presented by the New York State Arts Council, and “World on Stage” organized by the Namaskaar Foundation. In November 2001, Natyanikethan students opened for Anoushka Shankar at the Bardavon Opera House, and in February 2006 the company performed at reception for “Pearls of the Parrot of India” hosted by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY. The school has also participated in the Global Beauty and Culture celebrations at United Nations and performed for the former President of India, Dr. Abdul Kalam. Students also participated in many dance workshops conducted for children and adults at the Caramoor Center of Music and Arts, Vanaver and Caravan Dance Company and the International School in Riverside, CT.
Students of Natyanikethan have participated in many performances supporting cultural diversity, including “One River, Many Streams Festival” organized by the Dutchess County Arts Council, “Diversity through Dance” presented by the New York State Arts Council, and “World on Stage” organized by the Namaskaar Foundation. In November 2001, Natyanikethan students opened for Anoushka Shankar at the Bardavon Opera House, and in February 2006 the company performed at reception for “Pearls of the Parrot of India” hosted by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY. The school has also participated in the Global Beauty and Culture celebrations at United Nations and performed for the former President of India, Dr. Abdul Kalam. Students also participated in many dance workshops conducted for children and adults at the Caramoor Center of Music and Arts, Vanaver and Caravan Dance Company and the International School in Riverside, CT.
Collaboration
Natyanikethan has collaborated with over 25 organizations to encourage rich cultural ancestry and support local community activities. The Telugu Association of North America (TANA), American Telugu Association (ATA), Federation of Indian Association (FIA), Indian American Cultural Association of Westchester (IACAW), Namaskaar Foundation, Vanaver Caravan Dance Company, and the Dutchess County Arts Council are just a few of the established organizations that have supported and promoted this dance company.
Recognition
Individual students of Natyanikethan have received countless accolades across the country. These honors include Gold Champion award for Kuchipudi dance and Best Costume from the International Dance Challenge (2003), first prize in folk dance competitions in Telugu Association of Greater Delaware Valley, PA (1993-2009), first place from the Telugu Fine Arts Society, NJ and 2010 National Finalists in JOSH NRI Dance Talent Hunt, NJ. In addition to competitions, Natyanikethan students have received great honors for their efforts in promoting Indian Dance. These include Dutchess County Executive Award for Youth with Exceptional Promise in Arts (2007), Harvard University dance scholarship, apprenticeship in Kuchipudi dance from New York State Council on The Arts, and Honorable Mention from the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA). In June 2008, Natyanikethan students performed in the first International Kuchipudi Dance Festival in Cupertini, CA along with 332 artists from all over the world and established a Guinness World Record. A popular national television show, Fox Network’s, “So You Think You Can Dance,” featured one of Natyanikethan’s students. In December 2010 and 2012, students of Natyanikethan traveled to India and participated in the 2nd and 3rd International Kuchipudi Dance Convention in Hyderabad along with their Director/Guru Kantham Chatlapalli.