Venkata Ramana Karanam C

🪔 About

Venkata Ramana Karanam C is a distinguished Kuchipudi dancer, guru, and the co-founder of Mayura Academy, a school of performing arts with branches in India and Sydney, Australia. His journey in dance commenced at the age of eight, under the tutelage of Ms. K. Vijaya Lakshmi, who recognized his innate talent for Kuchipudi. He further honed his skills for five years under Sri Pasumarthi Seshubabu, the son of traditional Kuchipudi guru Sri Pasumarthi Venu Gopala Krishna Sarma. Karanam's extensive training continued during his Master of Performing Arts (MPA) at the University of Hyderabad, where he specialized in Kuchipudi. He received instruction in Kuchipudi technique from Dr. Anuradha Jonnalagadda, specialized Abhinaya from Sri Kala Krishna, Nattuvangam from Sri Pasumarthy Ramalinga Sastry, and the Tala System and Aesthetics from the late Padmasri Dr. Nataraja Ramakrishna. He also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Acting and a Certificate in Kuchipudi Dance from Telugu University. Throughout his career, Venkata Ramana Karanam has performed in numerous ballets and programs, including 'MANMADHA DHAHANAM' and 'RAASAVILAASAM' (1996), a prestigious production by the University of Hyderabad. He has also performed at the birthplace of Kuchipudi dance, Kuchipudi village, during the Sri Siddhendra Jayanthi Mahotsavam. Karanam is also a choreographer, notably for the classical ballet 'Pancha Bootas' in 2005. He co-founded Mayura Academy with Srivani in 1990, dedicating it to preserving and promoting Kuchipudi. He continues to teach and present Kuchipudi, with his children, Meghna and Anirudh Karanam, also being accomplished Kuchipudi dancers and teachers.