In the ancient city of Visakhapatnam, where the sea meets centuries of culture, lives a man whose every movement echoes history, and whose every endeavor shapes the future of Indian classical dance. Vikram Kumar BR is not merely a Kuchipudi dancer—he is a storyteller, a preserver of heritage, and a custodian of India’s spiritual and artistic identity.
This is not just the story of a performer.
This is the story of a phenomenon.
From Rhythm to Reverence
Born into a family that quietly nurtured his artistic spark, Vikram’s journey began with a childhood fascination for the rhythm of feet, the grace of expression, and the divinity of dance. With the support of his father and a deep inner calling, he pursued a Master’s in Kuchipudi from Andhra University, graduating with distinction—not just academically, but in purpose.
But Vikram’s journey was never about following footsteps. It was about creating new paths.
Architect of Modern Kuchipudi
To watch Vikram Kumar BR perform is to witness a fusion of discipline and devotion, heritage and innovation. His choreography breathes new life into the centuries-old art of Kuchipudi. From powerful environmental narratives like Swachh Ganga – Swachh Bharat to the folkloric grandeur of Chenchu Lakshmi Narasimha Kalyanam, Vikram reimagines dance as a language that both remembers and awakens.
Each of his productions—Society for Future, Sri Krishna Leelalu, Youth Never Sleeps—is more than performance. It’s protest. It’s prayer. It’s prophecy.
Theatre as a Sacred Mirror
With formal training in acting and direction, Vikram’s artistry spills over into theater. Mythological tales, social commentaries, and philosophical reflections—his stagecraft turns ideas into experiences. When his plays are staged, they don’t just entertain; they transform. His audiences have included dignitaries like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, a testimony to the depth and dignity of his work.
The Vision Behind the Curtain: Nataraj Music and Dance Academy
Founded in 2000, Nataraj Music and Dance Academy (NMDA) is more than an institution—it’s a movement. ISO-certified and affiliated with CID-UNESCO, NMDA has mentored hundreds of dancers and shaped a vibrant community of artists grounded in discipline, humility, and excellence.
Through NMDA, Vikram has not only preserved tradition but has institutionalized its relevance for generations to come.
Festivals that Breathe Life into Legacy
For Vikram, art must not be confined—it must be celebrated, shared, and sustained. That vision led to the birth of several acclaimed festivals including:
-
Vysaki Nrithyotsav
-
Bharat Nrithyotsav
-
Sathyabhama Yuva Nrithyotsav
-
Naatiya Tharang
-
Amaravati Nrithyotsav
-
Jathis – Roving Dance Festival
These festivals don’t just showcase talent—they build bridges between masters and mentees, regions and styles, tradition and transformation.
Documenting Dance, One Page at a Time
In an age where art often flickers and fades on a digital screen, Vikram founded The Dance India, a national magazine committed to archiving, analyzing, and amplifying the intellectual heritage of Indian dance. With ISSN and RNI registration, and readership in 650+ libraries, it is one of the few platforms preserving the sacred Guru-Shishya tradition in literary form.
As an author, his books—especially those dedicated to Padma Bhushan Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam—are vital reference points for students, researchers, and enthusiasts alike.
A Garland of Honors
Vikram’s legacy has been recognized with a constellation of awards:
-
Republic Day Excellence Award – Govt. of Andhra Pradesh
-
Best Promoter of Indian Culture – PRSI
-
Jayadev Excellency Award – Bhubaneswar
-
Ugadi Puraskar – Presented by CM N. Chandrababu Naidu
-
International Dance Congress Excellency Award – Odisha
-
Naatya Kala Poshaka Award – Karnataka
-
Best NGO in CSR Contribution – PRSI National Convention
-
Rastreeya Kala Poshak Samman – Bangalore
Each honor reflects a life in service of something greater than self.
Taking Culture Global
From the temples of India to the global stages of the UAE, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Nepal, Vikram Kumar BR has carried India’s cultural essence far and wide—not as a tourist of tradition, but as a true ambassador of the soul.
The Legacy Continues…
Vikram Kumar BR is a living archive. His dance is history choreographed for the present, his academy a bridge into the future. As a performer, educator, editor, and visionary, he continues to embody the very spirit of Indian classical arts.
“Every dancer must not just perform—they must preserve,” he says.
And in every twirl, every tala, every text—Vikram Kumar BR does exactly that.
He is not just keeping the flame alive.
He is making sure it lights a thousand more.