This journey would not have been possible without the blessings and guidance of the gurus who have shaped my understanding of Andhranatyam.
I offer my deepest gratitude to Guru Sri Perini Srinivas Rao, my first teacher, who laid the foundation of discipline and love for this art in me.
I am equally grateful to Smt. Satwika Penna, under whose guidance I continue to learn and explore the deeper layers of Andhranatyam. Her patience, clarity, and unwavering support? especially when I have endless questions?have been invaluable.
My heartfelt respects to Dr.KalaKrishnagaru, whose tireless efforts in the revival and preservation of Andhranatyam continue to inspire generations of artists like me.
To my partner, Siripuram Jagannath?Thank you for being the one constant in this journey, for believing in me when no one else did, and for standing by Andhranatyam as deeply as I do. Your quiet strength and unwavering support gave me the courage to write, reflect, and revive what I hold close to my soul.
And to the women of the past who carried this art in silence?this is for you.
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About the Author
Nikitha Andhranatyam, the pen name of Nikitha Gaddam, is a dedicated practitioner, researcher, and advocate for the classical temple dance tradition of Andhranatyam. With a Master's degree in Andhranatyam from Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University, she has poured her heart into reviving and sharing this beautiful yet often overlooked art form.
As a Doordarshan B-Grade artist, Nikitha stands out as one of the few passionate young voices working to shine a light on Andhranatyam in modern contexts. Her research dives into rediscovering lost stories, examining the sociocultural changes that have influenced the dance, and finding ways to connect tradition with contemporary life.
Through her digital initiative, @andhranatyam.meme_ries, she cleverly uses social media to make the dance form more relatable and appealing to today's youth, blending memes, archival treasures, and snippets of performances.
This book marks her first publication, born from her wish to create a beginner-friendly guide that is not only visually captivating but also academically sound and emotionally engaging. Through her performances, seminars, and writing, Nikitha is inspiring a new wave of dancers to explore the grace, richness, and storytelling magic of Andhranatyam.
