Neelima Raju

Based in Middlesex County, can travel to any county in NJ.

Kuchipudi, is a unique performance tradition from Southeast India. In the 13th century AD, based on the existing religious, social, political, economic, and cultural atmosphere a unique travelling, all male, theatrical, musical and dance tradition was codified by an ascetic named Siddhendra Yogi in the village of Kuchipudi. This unique form, known as Kuchipudi, taking the name of the village, evolved through the centuries and was passed on as an oral tradition between the mentor and the student. The performance uses rhythm (feet), movement (body and space), and gesture and mime techniques for communication of abstract or contextual pieces.

About Neelima

Neelima started learning dance in 1985 in a mentorship model, under the guidance of Mr Hari Rama Murthy and internationally renowned choreographer Guru Dr Vempati Chinna Satyam. Both her mentors hail from the village of Kuchipudi and are hereditary practitioners of the art form. Performing since the year 1994 she has many solo performances to her credit, winning the approval of critics and dance lovers alike. Her choreography is based on the traditional idiom yet explores new dimensions in the art form of Kuchipudi.