In a world constantly chasing modernity, there are a rare few who turn back — not out of nostalgia, but to safeguard the soul of tradition. Vikram Kumar BR is one such visionary. A devoted Kuchipudi dancer, educator, and cultural reformer, Vikram has become a living symbol of dedication to India’s performing arts.
Hailing from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, Vikram’s journey into dance began not as a luxury, but as a calling. Today, that calling has transformed into a legacy that touches thousands of lives across India and abroad.
Building a Movement, Not Just a School
What began in the year 2000 as a modest academy has now grown into a cultural powerhouse — the Nataraj Music and Dance Academy (NMDA). Through Vikram’s guidance, NMDA has trained over 1,500 students, many of whom have gone on to represent India on global stages.
NMDA is ISO-certified and affiliated with CID-UNESCO, giving its students access to both Indian depth and international standards. But beyond certifications and accolades, NMDA is a place where passion meets purpose.
Performing for a Cause
Vikram’s productions are not just art — they are calls to action. His choreographies like:
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Swachh Ganga – Swachh Bharat
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Youth Never Sleeps
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Chenchu Lakshmi Narasimha Kalyanam
… fuse ancient storytelling with contemporary themes like environmental protection, societal reform, and youth empowerment. They have been performed hundreds of times across India and have inspired countless individuals to view art as a tool for change.
Festivals that Unite a Nation
As the curator of major cultural festivals like Vysaki Nrithyotsav, Amaravati Nrithyotsav, and Naatya Tharang, Vikram has brought together Padma awardees, emerging artists, and international dancers onto one stage. His events transcend entertainment — they celebrate unity in diversity, and serve as incubators for the next generation of cultural leaders.
The Pen Behind the Performer
Vikram’s impact extends into literature and academia. As Editor-in-Chief of The Dance India — a quarterly journal recognized by the Government of India — he documents and preserves endangered art forms, tribal dances, and biographies of legends. The journal is archived in over 650 libraries across the nation.
He has authored two books and his acclaimed thesis, Siva Thandavam and Saptha Thandavam, bridges scholarly research with artistic insight.
Accolades, Not for Fame — But for Fuel
Vikram has been honored with numerous awards including:
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Republic Day Excellence Award
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Ugadi Puraskar by the Chief Minister
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Jayadev Excellency Award
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Best NGO in CSR for Culture and Heritage
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International Dance Congress Excellency Award
Each award has only deepened his resolve to carry Indian classical dance forward — not as a relic of the past, but as a living, breathing art form.
Taking India to the World
From the temples of India to stages in Malaysia, UAE, Thailand, Nepal, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, Vikram has mesmerized audiences with his performances and lectures. Everywhere he goes, he carries the soul of India with him — in every movement, every rhythm, every story.
The Legacy Continues
Vikram Kumar BR’s story isn’t just about dance. It’s about devotion, discipline, and the audacity to dream — to believe that culture can heal, unite, and transform.
In his own words:
“Art is not just performance. It is a prayer — to time, to truth, and to the spirit of India.”
