Baltimore/DC Natya Idol – 2025

Sahiti has been learning dance under the guidance of Guru Smt. Lakshmi Babu of Kuchipudi Dance Academy, USA. Through KDA, Sahiti has had the opportunity to connect with and learn from Kuchupudi exponents and perform in prestigious venues across the USA and Indiaincluding Natyanjali Chidambaram, Tirupati Nadaneerajanam, World Culture Festival, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and more. Sahiti was a participant in the 2024 Natya Idol in the regional DV and national competitions in St. louis. Today she will be presenting a Kuchipudi tarangam: Nanda Nandana

Nanda Nandana composed by Sri Narayana Theerta and choreographed by Guru Padmasri Dr. Sobha Naidu, is rendered in Ragamalika Talam Adi. It is a beautiful piece in which the dancer sees the illustrious form Bala Gopala, the beloved son of Nanda. Upon seeing his illustrious dancing form, the dancer recounts well known episodes of Krishna’s youth, such as stealing butter along with his naughty friends. In this item dancer also describes the beautiful Raasa Leela where in the Gopikas express their utmost devotion to Lord Krishna as they dance around him under the moonlight. As customary in Kuchipudi tarangam, the dancer executes the final charanam whilst standing on the edge of a brass plate.