29+
Years of Experience
1+
Students Taught
1
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About
A.B. Bala Kondala Rao, affectionately known as Balakka, is a legendary Kuchipudi dancer and one of its greatest exponents. Born on July 4, 1956, in Rajavolu, Andhra Pradesh, she began her dance journey at the age of nine, demonstrating an early passion for the art form. Her father, recognizing her talent, introduced her to Kuchipudi, and she subsequently…
Journey Timeline
1956
Born — Born on July 4, 1956, at Rajavolu, Andhra Pradesh.
1965
Began dancing — Started learning dance at the age of nine.
1969
Became assistant teacher — Became an assistant teacher to Guru Vempati Chinna Satyam at the age of 13.
1984
Received Siddendra Kalakshetra Award
1995
Received Kala Puraskar
1997
Founded Kuchipudi Kalaa Kendram — Established her own dance institution in Visakhapatnam.
2012
Received Kala Ratna Award — Awarded by the Government of Andhra Pradesh in May 2012.
2017
Documentary 'Balakka: Dancing with Tradition' released — Documentary by filmmaker Dulam Satyanarayana.
2018
Received Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — Awarded for 2016, presented on January 17, 2018, by President Ram Nath Kovind.
Photo Gallery
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Video Library
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Signature Performances
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Performance Map
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Awards & Honors
- 2016 · Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — Sangeet Natak Akademi
- 2012 · Kala Ratna — Government of Andhra Pradesh
- 1984 · Siddendra Kalakshetra Award
- 1995 · Kala Puraskar
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