Prafulla Vellury  have been running a school for Kuchipudi dance & Carnatic music in Rhode Island since 2000. The name of the school is Prafulla’s Academy of Dance & Music (PADAM). She is  also the Secretary of Indian Association of Rhode Island. She lives in Rhode Island along with her husband Srinivas and her  two children.

 Why did you chose to pursue your particular career path

I absolutely love the Kuchipudi dance form and every aspect of it - performing, choreography, nattuvangam, singing and most of all teaching. Running a dance & music school gives me the opportunity to do all these. Above all, I want to contribute in helping to bring awareness, understanding and appreciation among the people towards Kuchipudi dance.

What are the personal /environmental attributes that have helped you succeed ?

My father was a theater arts professor and wished for me to be a great Kuchipudi dancer. He took me all around India for my performances. I lost him when I was 9, but I have been striving to make his wishes come true ever since. My mother was a Carnatic singer who had sung for many great Kuchipudi artists of that time - Swapna Sundari, Sumathi Kaushal, Swathi Somnath & Uma Ramarao, to name a few. I grew up watching all their performances and even participated with them. Both my grand parents (on my mother’s side) are singers. I was also in the company of some of the great carnatic singers of that time, like Late Dr. Nookala Chinna Satyanarayana who was a close friend of my grandfather and who participated in the annual Tyagaraja celebrations since the year my grandfather helped construct a Sita Rama temple in the community 47 years ago. I had performed in those celebrations every single year until my arrival to the USA. Since my childhood, I had spent every year at the Jawahar Bal Bhavan in Hyderabad taking classes in Theater, dance & music among other sport activities. Through Bal Bhavan, I had the opportunity to participate in programs all over India (New Delhi, Kolkatta, Chennai, Kashmir, to name a few) and win prizes.

What challenges if any have you faced in your pursuit of dance?

In today’s society where film songs and dances have a major influence on how people spend their free time, making them aware and appreciate our classical dance forms is one main challenge that any classical dance form is facing.

What advice would you give women trying to follow your career path

Do not compromise when teaching (or performing) Kuchipudi. Your main objective should be to spread the dance form.

 What lasting impact do you expect from your work?

I desire to take the Kuchipudi dance form to the next level - including popularizing the yakshagana (performers reciting dialogs and singing their own songs) tradition.

What is the secret to your maintaining a work -life balance?

I plan ahead of every week for all my classes and home engagements. My family shares a common iCloud calendar which makes planning easy.

What activities outside of work are you involved in ? (Charity, arts , community service etc)

I participate in most of the cultural events in my local communities and surrounding places. Through my school, we have performed for various charitable causes to raise funds. Recently, my students and I performed to raise money for Sankara Caner Foundatiion. In 2013, through the Rangapravesam (dance graduation) of my daughter (Sampada) and another student (Leela), we raised $6,000 for the Special Olympics of Rhode Island.

What do you do for fun?

Play with my kids and watch (lots of) movies with my husband and make and eat yummy food.

Who are the People who you admire/ inspired /emulate ?

The Late Dr Vempati Chinna Stayam who was instrumental in refining the Kuchipudi dance form to it’s current state is my inspiration. I love Radha & Raja Reddy’s choreography. My aspire to bring my father’s theatrical passion to Kuchipudi dance.

What is your personal philosophy of living life

Have faith in God and leave the rest to Him.

What was your happiest moment in life?

When my husband proposed to me almost 20 years ago in the Simhachalam temple in Vizag.

  Do you have a fitness routine that you would like to share?

I love to watch Kuchipudi dance and Carnatic music performances by various artists on YouTube on my iPad during my workout on my elliptical.

Do you have a beauty routine that you would like to share

Be happy and think positive.

 Do you have favorite book/author

I was never a good reader and so never had a favorite author, but J K Rowling changed all that. I still do not read her books, but have listened to every book that my husband has read to my children and watched the Harry Potter movies many times over.

  Do you have a favorite song/ musician?

Many songs by classical singers Ranjani & Gayatri.

Do you like to cook? What is your favorite dish to make?

I love to cook, especially for my family who love to eat. My favorites are Chole Bhatura and Vada Sambar/Chutney.

One fun fact about you

In my classes, I ask all my students to call me “Akka”, meaning elder sister, since I used to call my senior dancers that growing up. Because of this, I have my 3 year old student, as well as, my 60 year old student calling me Akka. Many of the student’s parents call me Akka too and I notice people around wondering how old I am.

Any  Words of wisdom

Be positive. Keep smiling and try to make others smile.

Any special words of advice for women?  Any piece of information you wish you had known growing up?

As a wife and mother, family comes first. If you can keep your family happy, they will help you progress in your career.

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