Welcome to Abhinaya Performing Arts Academy

Nurturing passion and talent through classical dance and music • Guided by experienced gurus and mentors • Empowering students to grow with confidence, creativity, and cultural pride

Nurturing passion and talent through classical dance and music • Guided by experienced gurus and mentors • Empowering students to grow with confidence, creativity, and cultural pride

No matter where you are in the world, your journey in art begins here. Join our online classes and experience the joy of learning from anywhere.

Step into a world where creativity comes alive! At Abhinaya Performing Arts Academy, we nurture the art of dance, music, and performing arts with passion and excellence. From traditional Kuchipudi dance to soulful singing lessons, our programs are designed for learners of all ages and skill levels. Join us to explore, express, and elevate your artistic journey in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Our Team

Passionate, skilled, and inspiring—our instructors at Abhinaya Performing Arts Academy guide every student to explore, create, and shine in the world of dance, music, and performing arts.

A man with glasses and a mustache, wearing traditional Indian attire, speaking into a microphone at an indoor event.

Dr. Prashanth Kumar Devulapally

Founder

Abhinaya Performing Arts Academy was founded by Prashanth, a passionate artist, educator, and visionary dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Indian performing arts. With 30 years of rigorous training in Kuchipudi dance, singing and extensive experience performing on stage, he recognized the need for a nurturing space where students of all ages could explore, learn, and express their creativity.

Driven by a deep love for the arts, Prashanth envisioned an academy that balances tradition with innovation—offering classical training while encouraging individual expression. His philosophy is rooted in discipline, dedication, and joy, guiding students not only to master their craft but also to develop confidence, stage presence, and artistic sensibility.

Through his leadership, Abhinaya Performing Arts Academy has grown into a vibrant community of learners, performers, and educators. Prashanth continues to inspire every student, instructor, and collaborator, making the academy a hub of creativity, excellence, and lifelong artistic exploration.

As a choreographer and performer, he has earned acclaim in India as well as internationally for his innovative and creative presentations. He has represented India as an artist at internationally renowned festivals in Mauritius and Thailand, and has performed under the auspices of the Indo-Kuwait Telugu Kalasamithi for several years.

He has successfully mentored numerous students in India who have performed their Ranga Pravesha with unique and creative themes, showcasing originality and artistic vision, earning widespread appreciation.

He also guides students to excel in dance examinations conducted by the Government of Telangana, Central University, and Telugu University in India, nurturing both skill and creativity in classical dance.

A woman wearing a yellow and orange saree with a red blouse, gold jewelry, and a small red bindi on her forehead, standing against a black background.

Sangeetha Devulapally

Co-founder and Administrator

Sangeetha, is the Administrator and Co-Founder of Abhinaya Performing Arts Academy, bringing a unique blend of vision, leadership, and organizational excellence. With a lifelong passion for the arts, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the academy into a thriving center for dance, music, and performing arts.

As the backbone of the academy, she oversees day-to-day operations, ensuring that classes, events, and programs run smoothly. She works closely with instructors and staff to maintain high standards of teaching while fostering a supportive and encouraging environment for students of all ages.

Beyond administration, Sangeetha actively contributes to the growth of the academy’s artistic vision. She organizes workshops, coordinates performances, and mentors both students and faculty, inspiring creativity, discipline, and excellence in every aspect of the academy. Her dedication and hands-on leadership make her an integral part of Abhinaya Performing Arts Academy’s mission to nurture talent and celebrate the arts.

A woman in a blue saree with gold border, standing indoors with a smile.

Chandhana Devulapally

Performer, Choreographer & Mentor

Chandhana, is a distinguished Kuchipudi artist, performer, and educator with over 15 years of training and experience in classical Indian dance. Trained under renowned gurus, she has performed extensively on national and international stages, captivating audiences with her expressive storytelling, intricate footwork, and graceful movements.

As an instructor, she combines deep technical knowledge with a nurturing teaching style, tailoring her approach to each student’s abilities and potential. She is passionate about preserving the rich heritage of Kuchipudi while also encouraging creativity and individual expression in her students.

Beyond teaching, Chandhana has choreographed numerous stage productions, workshops, and cultural events, showcasing her versatility as both an artist and a mentor. Her commitment to excellence, discipline, and artistic innovation inspires students to not only master the form but also develop confidence, stage presence, and a lifelong love for the performing arts.

Whether performing, choreographing, or mentoring, Chandhana embodies the spirit of Kuchipudi—honoring tradition while guiding the next generation of artists with passion and dedication.

Guinness World Records certificate awarded to Deulapally Chandhana for the largest kuchipudi dance with 6,117 participants, achieved at the 5th IKDC event in Andhra Pradesh, India, on December 25, 2016.

Achievements & Awards

Follow-up about traditional dance and cultural practices with a picture of a girl dressed in traditional Indian costume performing a dance, and another image showing children participating in an activity at an event.

Awarded the “Uthama Natya Acharya” Certificate of Merit by the Ministry of Arts and Culture, Republic of Mauritius.


Received the “Nrutya Shiromani” Merit Award from the Telugu Association of Malaysia.


Honored with the “Natya Kala Rathna” Award, certified by the Telugu Association of Dubai (DTA).

Conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Religion & Kuchipudi Dance by the United Theological Research University.



A woman dressed in traditional Indian attire standing next to a decorated statue of Lord Krishna during a celebration or festival, with a large banner in the background written in Hindi.

Performance Gallery

Two women dressed in traditional Indian attire performing a dance on stage with a dark curtain background.
Three young women performing a classical dance on stage, dressed in traditional Indian costumes, with one woman standing holding a staff and two seated women on the floor.
Group photo of children and adults dressed in traditional Indian clothing on stage during a cultural event.

Our students are the heart of Abhinaya Peforming Arts Academy. This portfolio celebrates their dedication, talent, and growth across dance, music, and performing arts. From award-winning performances to personal milestones, explore the achievements that make our academy shine.

Women dressed in traditional Indian attire perform a dance on stage at a cultural event.
Two women dressed in traditional Indian attire performing on stage during a cultural event.
A colorful watch face featuring various musical instruments and symbols, including a guitar, sitar, tambourine, and bells.

About our Academy

Our academy is a centre of excellence for Indian classical performing arts, offering dedicated training in Kuchipudi dance and classical vocal music. Founded with a deep respect for tradition and a vision to pass on India’s rich cultural legacy, we combine authentic teaching methods with a supportive and inspiring learning environment.

We believe that classical arts are not just forms of performance, but powerful mediums of expression, discipline, and storytelling. Our Kuchipudi training emphasises abhinaya (expression), rhythm, grace, and technique, while our vocal music classes focus on voice culture, raga knowledge, tala, and devotional compositions.

Students are guided step-by-step according to their age and skill level, ensuring strong foundations and confident progression. Along with regular classes, we encourage participation in stage performances, festivals, workshops, and cultural events, helping students gain confidence and real-world exposure.

With both online and in-person classes, our academy welcomes students from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for learning and preserving Indian classical traditions.

Register

Online classes available worldwide • Learn Kuchipudi from anywhere in the world • Join our global community of students across continents • Experience classical arts beyond borders

Online classes available worldwide • Learn Kuchipudi from anywhere in the world • Join our global community of students across continents • Experience classical arts beyond borders