About Samskriti
Preserving the tradition of Kuchipudi
Preserving the tradition of Kuchipudi
Samskriti is a traditional Kuchipudi dance school established in 2022 in Lexington, Massachusetts. We are dedicated to preserving and sharing the ancient art of Kuchipudi, one of India's eight major classical dance forms.
At Samskriti, we believe in nurturing not just dancers, but artists who understand and respect the cultural significance of this beautiful art form. Our approach combines rigorous traditional training with an appreciation for the stories, music, and spirituality that make Kuchipudi unique.
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, Samskriti offers a welcoming environment where students of all ages can explore the grace, rhythm, and expression of Kuchipudi dance.
Natya Visarada, Smt. Uma Maheshwari garu
Smt. Uma Maheshwari hails from a traditional family of Kuchipudi dance masters and has been trained under the guidance of her father and Guru Dr. S. Krishna Kumar. With over 25 years of dedicated learning and 27 years of teaching experience, she has choreographed and performed numerous ballets and solo pieces in folk, classical, and semi-classical styles.
She has performed in prestigious productions alongside renowned teachers like Shobha Naidu, Vedantam Radhe Shyam, and Vedantam Ramalinga Sastry, with over 400 shows to her credit across India and abroad.
Her choreographic work includes more than 100 songs and several large-scale ballets, including a mega dance event with 770 dancers, a 100-dancer presentation for Yadadri Temple Brahmotsavam and a special ballet before the Vice President of India.
A recipient of three consecutive gold medals for folk choreography, Guru Uma Maheshwari continues to inspire, with many of her students winning gold and silver medals at national and international competitions.
Founder & Lead Instructor
Kiranmai Jannabhatla is a dedicated Kuchipudi dancer and teacher with a deep passion for preserving and sharing this classical art form. As both a devoted student and accomplished teacher of Kuchipudi, she brings authenticity and excellence to every class at Samskriti.
Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural context and spiritual essence of Kuchipudi, while ensuring students master the technical precision and expressive artistry that define this dance form.
Under her guidance, students learn not just dance movements, but the complete language of Kuchipudi — from mudras (hand gestures) to abhinaya (expressions), from rhythmic footwork to storytelling through movement.
Basic stances, footwork, and hand gestures (mudras) that form the foundation of Kuchipudi dance.
Proper body alignment, balance, rhythm, and the precise execution of movements characteristic of Kuchipudi.
Abhinaya — the art of conveying emotions and telling stories through facial expressions and gestures.
Traditional items including jathis, songs, padams, tarangams, and full dance productions.
Understanding Carnatic music, talas (rhythmic cycles), and their relationship to dance movements.
The history, philosophy, and cultural significance of Kuchipudi in Indian classical arts.
Practice sessions and performances at Samskriti
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