CLick HeRe FoR MoRe Laasya’s Kuchipudi Rangapravesam Pics

What would you normally expect from 10 year old child in her summer vacation? While most of them are busy watching TV or playing games on the iPad, Laasya Gaddipati, 10 year old girl did an amazing Kuchipudi dance performance at Lakewood cultural center, Denver on July 13, 2013.

Denver witnessed a world class show – The Kuchipudi dance debut of Laasya Lakshmi Gaddipati. Called Rangapravesam (literally means 'entering the stage') in Sanskrit, the debut was unique and critically acclaimed by many pundits in the Kuchipudi circles. The young artist, Laasya brought down the house with her captivating expressions, picturesque body movements and effortless dance. She was energetic throughout the demanding dance performances holding the audience's attention for three long hours. The show started out with dance 'Vani Paraku' followed by 'Brahmanjali' and 'Thandava Nritya kari Gajanana' in line with the tradition set by Sri Vempati Chinna Satyam garu. The night’s show was led by a live orchestra.

Mrs. Saritha Bangarala, the guru composed a good mix of dances for the show. Dances such as 'Koluvaithiva Ranga Sai', 'Dasavatharam' and 'Bala Gopala Tarangam' from traditional kuchipudi repertoire were interspersed with dances to traditional bhajans/prayers of ‘Mahisharura Mardini' and 'Siva Panchakshari Sthotham'. Laasya brought a distinct style of her own to these complicated yet sensual dances with grace, poise and energy. She took the mesmerized audience into her private journey of storytelling leaving everyone invigorated. So far she has given more than 50 performances and won second place at the 2011 national TANA convention. She also performed at the Third International Kuchipudi performance which was recognized by the Guinness book of world records in 2012.

Mr. Anand Kuchibhotla, Chief guest, who is chairman of Silicon Andhra, heaped lavish praise on this young dancing sensation by saying, it was the first time that he has presided a 10 yr. old girl doing the Rangapravesam in the United States. The guests of honor for the show were Smt Syama Reddy, NATA President Elect, Prof. Dr. Mark Spitz, Professor of Neurology, Colorado School of medicine, and Smt. Jyothi Reddy, CEO KYSS software. She was blessed in attendance by her grandparents Bose and Aruna gaddipati, and Kumar raja chowdary and suseela from India.

The proud parents of Laasya, Mr. Sudhir Gaddipati and Mrs. Priya Korrapati graciously shared their daughter's momentous occasion by supporting various charities. It is amazing that along with Ranga Pravesam, Laasya showed her philanthropic activities by donating $5000 to the University of Colorado – Neurology department. They have also announced various initiatives on stage including Silicon Andhra Telugu University, Lead India and Women’s forum of Colorado. All of these charities received stage time to promote their causes as well as a generous donation from the gift money Laasya decided to donate.