Vempati Chinnasatyam

Born in a traditional family of dancers in the village, Kuchipudi, Andhra Pradesh, dance was intermingled in Vempati's blood and veins. Young Vempati was initiated into this great art by Vedantam Lakshmi Narayana Sastry, a great master in the field. As he learnt the nuances of this style of dance, Vempati was avid to see this great heritage permeate all over the world.

With this burning desire he left his native village at the age of 18. Due to financial constraints he walked all the way to Madras ,the cultural Mecca of all fine arts. He underwent vigorous training under his cousin, Vempati Pedda Satyam who was a well established dance director in the film world. He also spent a year under various teachers, extending his knowledge of various styles.

The glitter and glamour of the tinsel world failed to impress him. With the desire to spread Kuchipudi, burning within, Vempati started teaching and started his Kuchipudi Art Academy at Madras in 1963. he composed his first dance drama Sri Krishna Parijatham in the same period followed by another hit Ksheera Sagara Madanam and played the lead role.

Vempati made his first trip overseas in 1971 to London and France, gaining, accoload and acclamations wherever he went. He then toured South America and the Caribbean Islands, with his troupe to participate in the Festival of India in 1973. From then on, followed an endless stream of trips. Vempati's charismatic choreography and scintillating style were witnessed and applauded in almost all parts of the world.

Notable amongthe numerous Awards, honors and citations conferred on him are :- Kalaprapurna by Andhra University, Kuchipudi nritya Pramukh by Sangeet Natak Academy (New Delhi), Honorary Doctorate(D.Litt.) by Sri Venkateswara University (Tirupati), Astana Vidwan by Sri Venkateswara Temple (Pittsburgh), T.T.K.Memorial Award by the Madras Music Academy, Kalidas Puraskar by Government of Madhya Pradesh, Kalai mamani by Govt. of Tamil Nadu. The Mayor of Miami presented the Golden Key award to him in 1984, the Mayor of Dayton, Ohio declared September 25,1994 as Vempati Chinna Satyam Day, the Mayor of Ghanna, Ohio declared April 27,1984 as classical Indian Kuchipudi Ballet dance Drama and the Mayor of Atlanta declared 3rd November 1994 as Kuchipudi Dance Drama Day.

Honorary citizenship was conferred on Dr.Vempati by the Mayor of Cleveland. The Mayor of Memphis declared September 24, 1994 as 'Ramayana Day' and the Key to the city was awarded to him. Gold medal was presented to him by the President of Tunisia at the Cartage Festival. Citations and Honors conferred at the Avignon Festival, France in 1995.

Dr.Vempati bought a site from Government and many benevolent people and art lovers gave donations for the construction of the academy building. He also toured all over India and abroad, collected money by presenting programs and built the academy. The Academy's own building was inaugurated in 1990. Complete with spacious dance halls, broadbased library and separate hostels for boys and girls, the academy functions as a residential school. Training is given not only in the practical aspects but also in theory. The students are also taught music and Sanskrit language as Vempati feels the students should have a thorough knowledge of all subjects related to dance.