Abhinaya Kuchipudi

Srinidhi Talamanchi is a Neuroscience major at Trinity University pursuing a career in medicine. She began dancing at AKDA at the age of five and has continued to grow her passion for the art form ever since. From completing her Rangapravesam to performing internationally through UNESCO & events, dance has remained an integral part of her life and identity. At Trinity, she is involved in both the competitive Indian fusion dance team and the hip-hop dance team, allowing her to expand her love for dance across multiple styles and communities. No matter where life takes her, dance will always remain one of the strongest sources of joy, discipline, and connection in her life.

Amulya Gowthavaram is a rising sophomore at The University of Texas at Dallas currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science. She began learning Kuchipudi at the age of nine and joined AKDA as a student in 2021. Joining AKDA has allowed her to expand her skills and become a better dancer. Throughout her life, Kuchipudi has taught her to be more expressive and confident both on and offstage, and has made her a more well-rounded individual overall. Outside of dance, her other hobbies include painting, gardening, and playing music.

Sneha Maram is a rising Senior at the University of Texas at Dallas studying computer science with a minor in design, pursuing a career in UX design. She has been a part of Abhinaya Kuchipudi Dance Academy since she was only 5 years old and has continued to learn and teach dance throughout college. Sneha has choreographed several performances and enjoys teaching weekly alongside Smt. Kalyani Avula. In August of 2023 she completed her Rangapravesam, marking a shift in her dance journey. Since then she has travelled to Bali, Sri Lanka, and India with AKDA to perform. Sneha accredits much of her discipline, mental strength and perseverance to the teachings of AKDA and looks forward to continue Kuchipudi throughout her life journey.

Sannuta Manda is a rising senior in high school pursuing an interest in business who began her dance journey at the age of 5 along with Carnatic music. She joined AKDA in 2017 and grew as a dancer by participating in multiple performances and international trips in Greece, Sri Lanka, and India. She was able to perform in various temples, including in Ayodhya. To showcase her growth as a dancer, she is doing her Rangapravesam in 2027 after her last year in high school. Kuchipudi has been one of her dedicated interests since her childhood, representing her enthusiasm and perseverance she has gained through this hobby. Those lessons will stay with her in terms of continuing in Kuchipudi, and her growing professional goals.

Ananyaa Candula is a sophomore at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, majoring in Economic Consulting while pursuing entrepreneurship and currently focusing on building her own startup. She began dancing at the age of six under her mother’s guidance and started her formal Kuchipudi training at AKDA in 2014, under the tutelage of Smt. Kalyani Avula. Since then, dance has remained a meaningful part of her life, allowing her to grow both as an artist and as an individual. Over the years, she has performed in numerous annual days, competitions, and international showcases, continuing to refine her craft and deepen her love for Kuchipudi. In August of 2024, she successfully completed her Arangetram, where she also presented the rare and challenging Simhanandini dance. Beyond performance, Kuchipudi has shaped who she is, teaching her confidence, expression, and the art of storytelling, while helping her become more outgoing and comfortable on any stage. The lessons and joy of dance continue to shape every part of her life and will always remain a deeply meaningful part of who she is.

Ish*tha Inaganti is a rising freshman at the University of Texas at Dallas pursuing the pre-med track. She began her dance journey at age 5 and Carnatic Music at 9. She started dancing with AKDA in 2022, and has participated in various performances since then, one of which being an International performance in Srilanka, the famous Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, and Hyderabad. Her immense passion and love for dance has led her to do her Rangapravesham, this August 16th, 2026, which she is currently training for. Outside of dance, Ish*tha has been a part of band all 4 years of high school, serving as flute section leader for 2 years, and is also a black belt in taekwondo with a title of junior instructor. Kuchipudi has shaped her into who she is today, whether that’s confidence, communication, dedication, or perseverance. She will continue to take this part of her throughout the rest of her journey, wherever life takes her.

Naisha Mekala is a junior at Rice University studying to go into medicine. She began learning Kuchipudi at the age of 4, and dance became a constant part of her life. She participated in dozens of performances, culminating in her Rangapravesam, a 3-hour-long performance showcasing her graduation as a student of dance. However, she is still constantly learning and growing as a dancer, and is a member and former captain of her Bollywood fusion dance team at Rice. Dance allows her to feel connected with her community and culture, and it always will.

Arushi Bojjam is a rising freshman at UT Austin pursuing a career in law. She began dancing Kuchipudi at AKDA at age 7 and has since then participated in countless performances. In addition to dance, Arushi is passionate about the arts and community involvement, and she hopes to continue sharing her love for Kuchipudi while pursuing her academic and professional goals.

Ananya Chidurupalli is a junior at Trinity University pursuing the pre-medical track. She started training in Carnatic music at the age of six and began learning Kuchipudi a year later. Over the years, the performing arts became one of the most meaningful parts of her life, leading to many stage performances and eventually her Rangapravesam under Smt. Kalyani Avula in 2024. Beyond performing, Ananya enjoys using dance and music as a way to build community and celebrate her culture. At Trinity University, she serves as president of the South Asian Student Association and continues to stay involved in dance throughout college. Whether on stage, in leadership, or in her future career in medicine, she values the ability of the arts to bring people together and create lasting connections.

Aryahi Ravi is a rising freshman at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. She began learning Kuchipudi and Carnatic music at the age of six. She has been dancing at AKDA since 2023 and has participated in many international performances in Greece, Sri Lanka, and Ayodhya with her amazing peers. At AKDA, she has choreographed and taught younger kids Kuchipudi items for their annual recital performances to movie songs, and she has participated in her community’s Ganesh Chat zAurthi cultural performances every year since 2017. What started out as a hobby became one of Aryahi’s greatest passions due to its ability to create community, make real change, and allow for personal growth. She looks forward to finding a way to continue dancing throughout college by joining clubs or a performance ensemble.