Sasikala Penumarti

🪔 About

Sasikala Penumarti is a highly renowned figure in the world of Kuchipudi, an Indian classical dance form. She received extensive training for over 17 years under the legendary Guru Vempati Chinna Satyam, considered the most distinguished teacher and choreographer of Kuchipudi in modern times. From 1984 to 1990, Penumarti served as a resident artist, performer, and teacher at Guru Vempati's Kuchipudi Art Academy, traveling extensively across India, the U.S.A., Canada, Europe, and the former Soviet Russia, delivering over 800 performances, workshops, and lecture demonstrations. In 1991, Sasikala Penumarti relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where she continued her dedication to performing and teaching Kuchipudi dance. To further preserve and propagate this traditional art form, she founded the Academy of Kuchipudi Dance, a non-profit organization, in 1997 (some sources indicate 1998). She has since devoted over two decades to nurturing the next generation of Kuchipudi dancers, faithfully producing many of her Guru's masterpieces alongside her students, and creating numerous original dance dramas and solo choreographies. Penumarti also serves as an Artist Affiliate and adjunct faculty at Emory University, teaching credit courses on Kuchipudi, Indian dance, and culture. Her contributions have significantly enriched the cultural landscape of Georgia and beyond. Awards & Honours: Georgia Governor's Award for Arts and Humanities (2025), Master Artist award from the Georgia Arts Council, Master Teacher award from the National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts.