Hyderabad/India: City Kuchipudi dancer Yamini Reddy daughter of legendary Kuchipudi exponents Padma Bhushans Raja and Radha Reddy just returned to city from 30 days dance performance tour to Russia and Europe. During these days she gave 16 performances in Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Germany and Poland. Ms. Yamini Reddy was invited for the year of India in Russia by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations(ICCR). She began her concert in St Petersburg and Ufa and concluded in Yekaterin in Russia. Yamini Reddy was chosen by ICCR to represent India at the gala performance at the recently concluded Shanghai cooperation Organisaiton held in Yekaterinburg in Russia. The concert was attended by the Heads of state of its six full members – China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan – and by representatives of various ranks from its four observer states – India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan. Dr Manmohan Singh was representing India, Hu Jintao, President of China representing China & others.

President of the Ural region, Russia, Head of Culture Russian Culture Ministry Natalya Vorobyova, Minister of Culture Tajakistan Asori Mirzoshohrukh and Andrey Shishkin Director State Academic Opera and Ballet the were also present and thoroughly enjoyed her Kuchipudi dance performance.

Mayor of Ostrava Czech Republic with Yamini Reddy

"In Slovenia I had the honor of performing for the First Lady Barbara Miklic Turk. I gave 16 performances in a span of 30 days. My trip was intended to strengthen relation with these countries through cultural exchange. I represented India and Kuchipudi Dance and Andhra Pradesh in particular. We were a troupe of 5 and I was accompanied by my mother Mrs Kaushalya reddy, informed the Jubiliant young dancer Yamini on her return to the city. "

Yamini also toured in the past to United Kingdom. France, the United States and Dubai. In Dublin(Ireland) and Fort Lauderdale (USA), the Mayors presented her with the golden key to the cities. A multi-faceted personality, Yamini is endowed with a sculpted figure, a perfect face and scintillating grace, a very captivating presence with the right aptitude for rhythm and expressions, Yamini Reddy has in abundance all that it takes to be a first rate danseuse. She has inherited her father’s Tandava and mother’s lasya, a combination that is evident in her style.

Famous parents can prove to be a tough yardstick for their kids, especially those who aspire to make their own niche in the same field. Yet, Yamini refuses to be intimidated by the tough road in front of her.

The younger generation today believes in experimenting and that is essential too but continuity is also necessary. The future is to be built on the foundations laid on the past and the present. With the adage in mind, Yamini has decided to master the conventional style of performing Kuchipudi dance. She is the thread of continuity in the family tradition of the Reddys. Apart from performing she is also teaching Kuchipudi Dance in Jubilee Hills Hyderabad.

“Yamini is just made for dance, she is a complete performer” complimented Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar after witnessing her performance.