Hyderabad: In a landmark moment for Indian classical dance, Priyanka Josyula etched her name in history by becoming the first Singaporean to perform a full-length Rangapravesam in Kuchipudi. The debut recital, held at the CESS Auditorium in Ameerpet, Hyderabad, marked the culmination of years of rigorous training and devotion to the traditional art form.
Rangapravesam—meaning “ascending the stage” in Sanskrit—is a significant rite of passage in the world of classical Indian dance. More than just a performance, it symbolizes a dancer’s readiness to take on the mantle of a professional artist, showcasing their command over technique, emotive expression (abhinaya), rhythm, and storytelling.
Priyanka, who began her Kuchipudi journey at the age of seven, has trained under the distinguished guidance of Guru Dr. Nishitha Yabaji at the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society (SIFA). Her debut recital featured an impressive repertoire of traditional Kuchipudi compositions, including Gajavadana Beduve, Kamakshi Stuthi, Manduka Shabdam, Ashtapadi, Shiva Stuthi, and the visually captivating Marakatha Manimaya Chela—the famed plate dance that involves performing intricate footwork while balancing on the edge of a brass plate.
The event was graced by several renowned figures from the Kuchipudi and Carnatic music community, including Dr. Vedantam Radheshyam, Jonna Ramalingeswara Rao, Smt. Radha & Mohan, and Ramabhatla Nrusimha Sharma, who lauded Priyanka’s performance as a blend of grace, discipline, and dedication.
The Rangapravesam not only marks a personal milestone for Priyanka but also signifies the growing global reach and enduring relevance of Kuchipudi, a classical dance form that originated in Andhra Pradesh. Her achievement serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists around the world and a proud moment for the Indian diaspora in Singapore.
