ATA remembers Dr. Vempati's contribution to Kuchipudi dance
American Telugu Association indeed gratified by the fact we were able to recognize the Kuchipudi legendary guru during ATA convention on July 7th, 2012 at Atlanta (USA) with 'ATA Lifetime Achievement Award' for his contribution to the Kuchipudi Nritya art and for keeping alive an old art which is now passed on to a new generation of Americans of Telugu origin.
He was felicitated in Chennai during the prime time with a live telecast with $5000 cash award. It was an honor for ATA that Chinna Satyam accepted this award. This is the first time that ATA has presented this prestigious life time achievement award along with cash award, and he was pleased with it, and it's just 3 weeks before he passed away.
Dr. Vempati was a master guru of the Kuchipudi dance and refined the art form, bringing it completely within the boundaries of Natya Shastra and gave it a whole new perspective.
Dr. Vempati started the Kuchipudi Art Academy in Madras in 1963. The academy has to its credit more than 180 solos items and 15 dance dramas composed and choreographed by Vempati Chinna Satyam. These solo items and dramas have been staged all over India and abroad.
Vempati got many awards in India and abroad. He was honored with a Doctorate degree by Andhra University. He was also awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India. ATA was pleased to recognize and honor one of our own for his lifetime accomplishments in performing arts - Kuchupudi with "lifetime achievement for performing arts award".
News Posted: 30 July, 2012
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