Kuchipudi on a Europe trip

Learning about new cultures is always a good thing, and that’s exactly what the Swiss did on June 18, when 45 folk and Kuchipudi dance artistes performed in Zürich, Switzerland.

As part of an ongoing tour of Europe, the dancers — hailing from Hyderabad and Krishna districts in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh respectively — put on a three-hour long show in which various forms of Kuchipudi and folk dances were performed.

The tour is being organised by the Zürich-based cultural group Indian Entertainments, Arts and Culture, or IEAC, along with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the Government of Andhra Pradesh and UK Telugu Association.

“We planned a tour for nine countries and it kicked off in Switzerland. The first show was great, with the hall being completely jam packed with Indians and even Swiss people. The troupe received a standing ovation as well,” says Amar Kavi, one of the founders of IEAC.

Featuring artistes that were selected by the ICCR and AP government such as Dr Vanaja Uday and Dr Vaddepalli Srinivas, the latter of whom performed folk songs and dances with his troupe, in authentic tribal attire.

“But the highlight of the show was the Bhakt Prahalada, a Kuchipudi drama form which really mesmerised the audience. After the hour-long performance the whole crowd of 210 people stood and applauded the performers,” adds Amar.