Today we’d like to introduce you to Bhavana Reddy.
Bhavana, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am Bhavana Reddy, my professional journey began when I was in my mother’s womb as she travelled to Germany for my parents’ Kuchipudi Indian Classical Dance Tour. I would dance behind my parents and live in a world of music and dance since.
I have not known myself in a life without dance. My parents toured the entire world between the 70’s and the 2000’s and still continue to do so. I was an addition to this journey of theirs. Although my induction was earlier, I started my formal training in Kuchipudi Dance and Carnatic music from my parents when I was all of 4 and its weaved into my life-breath. I started performing at 5 and was already a young professional thankfully in an age when internet was not a way of life. So although you could call us famous, I never had a clue, there was innocence and basically a personal life.
What was our personal life? I was a great student of academics, music, dance, sports, you name it. I was naughty, shy still very social and loved outdoor activities especially with friends. I grew up in New Delhi with two moms, a sister and a father. My life was unique and I was brought up in the most ordinary way possible.
Professionally, however, I had toured Europe, USA, Canada, South East Asia, Middle East and India before my sweet 16, performed at major dance festivals internationally and nationally, performed for high dignitaries of nations and continue to do so after. I had a strong work ethic owing to the strict parents I had and still looked at life with wonder and adventure. We would have demanding tours, traveling in the night performing in the morning and evening, putting on makeup and the elaborate headgear whilst in the flight/bullet train/car and even fever couldn’t come in the way of a performance (I was seven with a fever, during a US tour, stepping out of the aircraft for a concert in Atlanta). I learned very early that the ‘show must go on’ as Freddie Mercury would put it!
Coming from a pure classical background where perfection of technique, grammar and conventions are extremely strict, I am a strong proponent of all those things, I respect and am proud of my culture and history while my free and youthful spirit shines through in openness to collaborate and try new things. Throughout all these years I worked on the mastery of Kuchipudi Indian Classical Dance in theory and practice and continue to dedicate my life to the service of this sacred and ancient dance-drama form of India.
As the dance industry evolves and I grew as a solo performing artist, I started to express myself in different languages continuing my parent’s efforts in sharing the art form with global audiences. In keeping with that idea, I have performed Kuchipudi to the English poems of late President Shri A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, to George Harrison’s song, ‘ My Sweet Lord’ and even my own songs from my album ‘Tangled In Emotions’.
I have revived old productions in a new light such as Bhamakalapam, Shiva Leelas being true to traditions and am working on introducing new productions for all to see the beauty of this dance-drama form.
Currently, I am working with LA-based choreographer Kitty McNamee on her project for the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra’s production of Stravinsky’s ‘Rite of Spring’. I will be choreographing and performing Kuchipudi bits and Kitty’s choreography with an amazing bunch of contemporary / hip hop dancers. This is scheduled for December 7th and 14th at the Walt Disney Concert Hall to the symphony of Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. Details : https://www.laphil.com/events/performances/667/2019-12-07/toyota-symphonies-for-youth-the-rite-of-spring
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My main struggles have been to come out of the shadow of the most illustrious couple of Kuchipudi dance, my parents.
My journey as an artist has always been in the public eye. Once I came of age and aware, there was never any room for failure. This for me has been a struggle in my adult life.
My problems get solved because I’m a dreamer with a voice, I have a strong sense of direction and I have drive to follow it.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I have experienced and seen around me sheer hard work and focus know what it is. I believe there is real progress and satisfaction when something is earned.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bhavanareddy.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/reddybhavana
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhavanareddydance
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/reddybhavana
- Other: www.youtube.com/bhavanareddy
Image Credit:
_DSC4830 : Rahul Naag
BNR-1600 : Binnoy M. Roy
IMG_4861 : Sanjit Debroy
MG_0691 : Amberlie Bankoff
0005 : Avinash Pasricha
_MG_8542 : Inni Singh
_DSC_0090 : Lebanriford
_INI_9563 : Inni Singh
INI10298 : Inni Singh
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