Mr. Gururaju | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
In the world of classical dance, men are mostly preferred as a teacher. For example, the great Vampal Chinna Satyam, Kelucharan Mohapatra or Pandit Birju Maharaj, despite being a great dancer himself, gained fame as great teachers.
However, what if male dancers also want to appreciate as dancers and artists? He is one aspect Kritagnata 2025: festival of festival, thanking gratitude.
Presented by Chandraguru School of Dance, founded by Kuchipudi dancer Sri Gururaju in Bangalore, Critagnaata He has a brainchild. This festival brings together four Indian classical dance forms presented by four male dancers – TD Rajendra (Kathak), Dr. Satyanarayana Raju (Bhartanatyam), Dr. Gajendra Kumar Panda (Odissi) and Gururaju themselves (Kuchipudi).
Dr. Gajendra Kumar Panda | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Gururaju started the Chandraguru School of Dance in 2021, focused on teaching Kuchipudi. Guruju says, purpose, while paying tribute to the society has to be given back to the society Matru (Mother), Pitu (Father), Acharya (Teacher), and Teacher (Patron or teacher). “We also have to thank nature because we take a lot from it. And as a dancer we also thank Ahiyara (dress and jewelery). It may seem small and insignificant, but thoughts have to show gratitude in every aspect of life and art.”
Curateing the festival with just male dancers, Gururaju says, it was to create a platform for men as artists. “It is difficult for us whether we are accepted as artists or maintain ourselves in the field. This festival is not a dancer dancer and teacher, but also achieved fame and success as artists. He has also inspired me as a dancer and I can present this aspect to indicate this.
TD Rajendra | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
“Initially in the world of classical dance, most of the gurus were men. But some dancers are successful as Guru and dancer/artists today,” said a student dancer of Vyayjayanti Kashi. Gururaju started learning dance at the age of only 18 and thanked his parents, Chandra and Nagaraju. “They did not stop me from advancing my dream to be a dancer. My mother passed away, but she was playing an important role in nurturing my dreams. Therefore, the school is dedicated to her name. She also said that she also said this. HinduAnd I would believe that I have created a mark as a dancer on which I achieve this achievement. So I dedicate this interview to my mother. ,
When Gururaju asked his guru (Vyjant) if he was very old to learn classical dance, he assured him that age is just one number. “He said what I achieve, depends on my passion and dedication.”
Being his first festival, Gururaju says that this achievement was a challenge until his students and parents of his comrades picked the pitch.
Dr. Satyanarayana Raju | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
According to Gururaju, the biggest challenge in the world of dance is to maintain himself as a dancer. “This is a highly competitive world. As a male dancers, we struggle to achieve sponsors and many times a platform to perform. Even relatives and friends ask you when you express your desire to become a professional dancer.” Success, Gururaju believes, follows someone’s passion and finding that inner peace. “I think when I dance.”
Late, Gururaju says that men are not being accepted as dance teachers, “I have parents whether my school has a female dancer teacher. It hurts, but I tell myself if I prove myself as a teacher, this challenge can be overcome.”
Kritagnata 2025, March 31, will be presented at Seva Sadan, Malleshwaram at 5.30 pm. It is open to all.
Published – March 28, 2025 11:01 am IST
