Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheswara, Guru Sakshah, Parambrahma, Tasmai Shri Guruve Namaha. This is a Sanskrit saying that means we treat Guru with the same regard as the absolute trinity of Bramha, Vishnu, and Shiva. Guru literally means remover of ignorance, as Gu means darkness and Ru means remover. Though this hymn is universal, everyone has different conceptions of what a Guru is. For me, a Guru is one who unwaveringly imparts knowledge upon a disciple, whose heart is as pure as gold, and who maintains an unbreakable bond between himself/herself and the student. Mrs. Pratyusha Apparasu is the epitome of such a guru, as her endless efforts to help every student succeed helps them bring out their true inner dancer. She finds an inexplicable joy in teaching that is shown in each and every class. In a world where a plethora of the older Indian traditions are forgotten and swept away with the customs of a new culture, Kuchipudi dance helps me connect to my roots in my home country.

My incredible career in dance started when I was merely six years old. I can vividly recall my first day as being absolutely nerve-racking, as I was not familiar with many of the students there. However, when I managed to ring the doorbell with tremulous hands, I was greeted with an extremely pretty and congenial lady, whose warmth seemed to irradiate her presence. That lady was Mrs. Pratyusha Apparasu, my guru from when I wearily managed my primordial Kuchipudi steps to now, nearly two months away from the day I will be performing my debut. I am so grateful to have had a teacher whose placid mien erased my self imposed anger at myself for the mistakes I did in my dance. Mrs. Pratyusha Apparasu helped me evolve into the dancer I am today by teaching me that while learning the technicalities of Kuchipudi is extremely beneficial, nothing eclipses the importance of the true joy of dance. As I reminisce on the year long expanse of preparing for my recital, I realize that learning to have fun while I performed truly helped me cherish these memories. I can say that learning new dances such as my tarangam was an enthralling experience, though I didn’t have quite as much fun with the intense practice my arangetram required:_) However, in my journey I had experienced some road bumps, especially when I had broken my leg and was not able to participate in CTA 2011. Mrs. Pratyusha Apparasu helped me overcome this impediment by spending extra time with me to make up for the lost time. Whenever I had the chance, I would watch my guru perform as she was elegance and poise exemplified. I will always be captivated by her dance.

I know that performing my arangetram has merely opened a new chapter in my Kuchipudi repertory, and I look forward to more extraordinary performances in my future under the direction of Mrs. Pratyusha Apparasu. My Guru has inspired me to never give up and give dance my very best. I know for sure that this is just the beginning of my Kuchipudi career and am anticipating the years to come with bright hopes.
To learn more about my guru, please visit her website at: www. Layadanceacademy.com

Thank You,
Shreya