Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakshmi Babu.
Hi Lakshmi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My Story
I came to the United States in 1991 with a deep love for Indian classical dance and a quiet determination to keep the art alive wherever life led me. I began teaching Indian dance at a Sunday school for just a couple of hours a week. At that time, I didn’t even know how to drive—my husband drove me to classes until 1993, when I gained the confidence to drive on my own.
Teaching American-born children became one of my greatest joys. Through them, I learned not only how to adapt pedagogy, but also how to bridge cultural differences with sensitivity, creativity, and respect. Those early years shaped my philosophy as an educator.
Alongside teaching, I built a professional career—first as a bank teller, later moving into a Customer Service Representative role. After becoming a mother in 1993 and again in 1997, I transitioned into an insurance agent role with New York Life, allowing me the flexibility to balance family and my passion for dance.
As my community involvement grew, so did performance opportunities. Over the years, my students and I have performed at a wide range of prestigious venues and organizations, including New York Life Insurance Company, the Residence of the Ambassador of India, the Embassy of India, BlackRock Center for the Arts, Strathmore Hall, Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, National Geographic (Geography Bee), the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and major U.S. institutions such as the NIH, FDA, USPTO, US Department of Transportation, Department of Health and Human Services, US Coast Guard, US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, US Army Research Laboratory, and the National 4-H Council.
Our work has also reached temples, universities, cultural associations, and international stages—Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, Durga Mandir, Murugan Temple of North America, University of Maryland, Silicon Andhra (San Francisco), TANA, ATA, ETA, Telugu literary and cultural associations across the U.S., the Annamayya Festival in Birmingham (UK), Telugu Associations of Sydney and Melbourne, and many charitable and cultural organizations worldwide.
In 1996, I formally established Kuchipudi Dance Academy (KDA) as a sole proprietorship. Student enrollment grew steadily through word of mouth. As demand increased, I moved into a single-family home and taught classes from my basement studio. Eventually, I made another move—this time fully investing my life and resources into dance education.
Today, I teach across five locations, with growing demand each year. My students perform at a high artistic level, and we have developed an ensemble that holds the potential for deeper artistic and community engagement.
Looking ahead, my dream is to establish a higher system of dance education—with structured certification programs, formal examinations, academic courses, and the involvement of PhD-level lecturers. My students already volunteer extensively, supporting teaching, technology, and advisory roles during weeknights and weekends. While these roles are currently informal and unpaid, they reflect a strong foundation of leadership and service.
I have two daughters and several dedicated students whom I hope will one day step into formal leadership roles, carrying this vision forward. What began as a small Sunday school class has grown into a lifelong mission—to preserve, educate, and elevate Indian classical dance as a living, evolving art form rooted in tradition and shared with the world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life’s struggles felt lighter because I stayed deeply immersed in my journey. I navigated challenges—retaining students’ interest, meeting parental expectations, finding affordable studios, and commissioning music—and overcame them all.
While these were overcome, I continue to aspire toward greater visibility in mainstream professional performance spaces.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I teach across all possible hours—weeknights and weekends—offering instruction in Kuchipudi, a classical dance of India, from beginner through Level 12. My current enrollment stands at 175 students. Over the years, I have conducted 48 student debut solo performances (Rangapravesams) with live orchestra support. Each solo culminates at Levels 10–12, following approximately 100 hours of intensive solo training and presenting nearly 100 minutes of performance featuring eight choreographed pieces.
After their debut, many students return—despite life’s changing paths—to continue their passion for dance as a mind–body language. Several have gone on to establish their own studios. End of the year marks a significant milestone: the launch of a franchise, commemorating 35 years of teaching, 30 years of running my studio, and nearly 50 years of my personal journey in dance.
I have produced and directed several dance dramas, including Romeo & Juliet. Enrollment is open year-round.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to aspire while allowing life to unfold. This path has taught me that life is a journey, not a destination.
Pricing:
- $125/month beginner enrollment (hybrid 4 plus 4 classes)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @kdacademy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kuchipudidanceacademy1?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kuchipudidanceacademy?si=XLMhyE6PDlK5sd-z
