Uma Rama Rao

K. Uma Rama Rao (born Uma Maheswari; 4 July 1938 – 27 August 2016) was an Indian Kuchipudi dancer, choreographer, academician, research scholar, author, and teacher. She was a prominent figure in the field of Indian classical dance, known for her lifelong dedication to Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam. She founded the Lasya Priya Dance Academy in Hyderabad in 1985, which became a significant institution for training dancers in classical dance forms. In 2003, she was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for her contributions to Kuchipudi by India's National Academy for Music, Dance and Drama.

Early life and education

K. Uma Rama Rao was born on 4 July 1938 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, to Dr. V. V. Krishna Rao and Sowbhagyam. She was raised in a conservative family that initially did not support her pursuit of dance as a career. She performed extensively across India and internationally, earning acclaim for her ability to convey deep emotions through her dance.

Lasya Priya Dance Academy In 1985, Uma Rama Rao established the Lasya Priya Dance Academy in Hyderabad, an institution dedicated to teaching the theory and practice of Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam in both theory and practice. Through Lasya Priya, she trained numerous students, many of whom went on to become accomplished dancers, preserving the traditional essence of Kuchipudi while adapting it for contemporary audiences. Awards and Recognition K. Uma Rama Rao received several prestigious awards for her contributions to Indian classical dance. In 2003, she was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for her excellence in Kuchipudi, recognizing her as a leading exponent of the dance form. She was also awarded a National Senior Fellowship from the Department of Culture, Government of India, through the Sangeet Natak Akademi, to support her research in dance. Other notable honors include the Kala Neerajanam, Sri Kala Poorna, and Pratibha Puraskar awards, which acknowledged her contributions as a performer, teacher, and scholar. Works

Uma Rama Rao authored a significant book on Kuchipudi, documenting its history and techniques. Her work has been a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners of Indian classical dance.

Personal life Uma Rama Rao was married to K. Rama Rao, a lawyer who supported her career in dance despite initial resistance from her family. She died on 27 August 2016 in Hyderabad, leaving behind a legacy in the world of Indian classical dance. Her death was widely mourned, with many noting the void left by her departure in the dance community. Legacy K. Uma Rama Rao’s contributions to Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam have had a lasting impact on Indian classical dance. Through her performances, teaching, and research, she played a key role in preserving and promoting these traditional art forms. Her establishment of the Lasya Priya Dance Academy ensured that future generations of dancers could learn and appreciate Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam. Her scholarly work, including her book on Kuchipudi and her research on Yakshagana, remains a valuable resource for those studying Indian dance traditions.