Lasyam's Guru

Hemamalini Yaddanapudi is the founder and Artistic Director of the Lasyam School of Kuchipudi Dance. Hemamalini Yaddanapudi is a Kuchipudi dancer, teacher, director and choreographer of international repute. By profession, Hema is a trained lawyer and was selected as a Judge in Andhra Pradesh, India. In Sanskrit, the term lasyam means "graceful, delicate dance" performed by the Goddess Parvathi. As described by the renowned Sage Nadikeswara in the book “Abhinayadarpanam”, lasyam has several “Dasa Lasyangas”, known as Geyapadam, Stithapaatyam, Aseenam, Pushpagandika, Prachedakam, Thrimudakam, Seiydhavakam, Dwimudakam, Uttamottamakam, Ukthaprathyuktakam. The word Dasa means Ten. The delicacy in Indian classical dance is known for its ten varieties of delicate graces (the subtle expressions). Hemamalini Yaddanapudi was inspired with the grace and delicacy of Kuchipudi and named her school Lasyam.

Lasyam's Philosophy

• Introduce South Indian art, culture, tradition, and classical wisdom to the next generation of Kuchipudi's stewards.
• Provide students with a strong foundation of Kuchipudi fundamentals, and train them as outlined in the ancient treatise, the Natya Sastram, written by Sage Bharata.
• Develop students’ skills until they master the concepts through theory, practical skills, history, and choreography of Kuchipudi.
• Conduct high-quality solo recitals, group ballet performances, and Kuchipudi workshops with renowned gurus from South India.
• Promote knowledge and admiration for the ancient classical art of Kuchipudi so that it will be cherished and continue to be passed down to coming generations of artists.