A. B. Bala Kondala Rao

🪔 About

Smt. A.B. Bala Kondala Rao, affectionately known as "Balakka," is a legendary exponent of Kuchipudi, born on July 4, 1956, in Rajavolu, Andhra Pradesh, India. She commenced her dance training at the tender age of eight under the tutelage of the esteemed Guru Sri Vempati Chinna Satyam at the Kuchipudi Art Academy in Chennai. Her dedication and talent quickly made her a prime disciple, and she began assisting her guru at just 13 years old. Throughout her illustrious career, Bala Kondala Rao has excelled as a performer, Nattuvanar, and choreographer. She has choreographed approximately 80 solo items based on compositions by Tyagaraja, Annamacharya, and Balamurali Krishna, as well as numerous ballets on diverse themes. She served as the principal of Kuchipudi Kalakshetram in Visakhapatnam for twelve years before establishing her own institution, Kuchipudi Kalaa Kendram, in Visakhapatnam in 1997. Her teaching methodology is characterized by a blend of rigorous technical training and a profound understanding of Natya Sastra principles, emphasizing the connection between dance and life, and viewing Kuchipudi as a form of yoga. She has been instrumental in promoting Kuchipudi globally, conducting workshops and performances in various international locations including the USA (New York, New Jersey, Pittsburgh, Memphis, Cleveland), the Netherlands, France, Italy, Germany, the UK, Canada, and Russia. Bala Kondala Rao has also authored a book on the Adavus of Kuchipudi. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2016), Kala Ratna (2012), Natya Visaradha, Siddendra Kalakshetra Award (1984), Kala Puraskar (1995), UGADI PURASKAR – A.P. State Performing Arts (1998), Best Guru Award by Madras Music Academy (2001), Natya Koumudi by Nritya Madhavi School Of Dance (USA) (2010), Kala Pravena award by Varalakshmi Thyagaraja Sangeetha Nritya Kala Niketan, Vijayanagaram (2014).