AKDC

AKDC is a global beacon of Indian classical dance, using the power of Kuchipudi to connect people, cultures and communities. Founded by Guru Arunima Kumar, the company is the UK’s largest inclusive Kuchipudi institution and a cultural powerhouse that has touched lives in over 50 countries through performance, teaching, and social change.

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Founded In London In 2005, Arunima Kumar Dance Company (AKDC) Began With A Simple But Bold Dream.

To make Kuchipudi relevant, visible, and accessible across the world. Since then, AKDC has evolved into a world-leading platform for classical excellence, community engagement, and cultural leadership. Whether on grand international stages or within underserved communities, AKDC’s heartbeat remains the same — storytelling through dance, and transforming lives through movement.

Our vision Through Dance

To create a globally resonant, intergenerational and inclusive ecosystem for Indian classical dance — where tradition meets innovation, and diversity meets excellence.

Our Mission
To preserve and promote the ancient art of Kuchipudi, while evolving its vocabulary to engage global audiences.
To educate and empower future generations through accessible teaching, mentoring, and youth leadership.
To drive social change through dance by working with prisons, hospitals, schools, and underserved communities.
To be a cultural bridge between India and the world, uniting people through the language of rhythm and expression.
What Is Kuchipudi

Kuchipudi is one of the major Indian classical dance forms, rooted in Andhra Pradesh and inspired by the Natya Shastra, India’s ancient treatise on performing arts. A dynamic blend of drama, storytelling, footwork, and music, Kuchipudi originated as a spiritual dance-drama performed by male Brahmin priests.
Today, led by modern pioneers like Arunima Kumar, Kuchipudi speaks a universal language of resilience, femininity, devotion, and joy — while staying rooted in its heritage.
Visual suggestion: Include a short 60-sec educational video or illustration explaining the origins and features of Kuchipudi.

Global Impact
AKDC is not just a dance company — it’s a movement. We have performed for world leaders, royalty, embassies, arts councils and communities — from Buckingham Palace and Sydney Opera House to hospitals, schools, and local festivals.
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Meet Our Founder - Guru Arunima Kumar BEM
Internationally celebrated as a performer, choreographer, educator, and social leader, Guru Arunima Kumar is the visionary behind AKDC. An award-winning Kuchipudi dancer with a background in finance and a passion for empowerment, Arunima has transformed the perception of Indian dance in the UK and beyond.
From creating healing workshops in prisons and hospitals to staging magnificent works at historic venues, she leads AKDC with fierce integrity, compassion, and creativity.
Arunima Kumar has been awarded the King’s Honour BEM for her contributions to Indian Classical Dance in 2025.
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Arunima’s commitment to art, inclusion and excellence is unparalleled. She is a cultural leader of our generation.

~  Lord Rami Ranger CBE
Our Team

Alice Odin

Project and Education Manager
Alice has worked in the arts and cultural sector for over twenty years, specialising in the management of learning and participation programmes across museums. Since 2023, Alice has also worked as an Environmental Consultant for arts and community organisations, supporting them to reduce their environmental impact and to embed sustainable practices within their organisational structures, culture, and programming.

Pappudu Sriram

Trustee

Pappudu (Pop) Sriram is an Entrepreneur, Environmentalist, Connector and Arts philanthropist.
She serves as CEO & Co-Founder of MOCK, which provides top-quality plant-based meat alternatives. Previously, she served as Partner and Managing Director from The Boston Consulting Group, where she focused on Operations and Organisation optimisation.

Manav Gupta

Trustee
Manav has spent 20 years in financial markets and held senior roles at Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank prior to launching a credit hedge fund in 2024. He brings a wealth of experience in finance and operations. He is passionate about holistic girls’ education and is a Trustee at Lady Margaret School in London.

Deepti Velury

Trustee
Deepti Velury is an industry leader within marketing and content production with demonstrated track record in leading and Spearheading leadership roles in global companies like Publicis, TAG Cushman & Wakefield etc and has overseen multi-market operations across 40+ countries. She is also an Independent Non-Executive Director at Applied Nutrition Plc

Benedicte

Trustee
Benedicte brings two decades of international experience in partnerships, operations, and product development across technology and sustainability sectors. She has held senior roles in both global technology companies, including Google, and mission-driven non-profit. As a trustee, she provides strategic guidance to help AKDC grow its reach, strengthen its impact, and sustain its artistic vision.

Alice Odin

Project and Education Manager
Alice has worked in the arts and cultural sector for over twenty years, specialising in the management of learning and participation programmes across museums. Since 2023, Alice has also worked as an Environmental Consultant for arts and community organisations, supporting them to reduce their environmental impact and to embed sustainable practices within their organisational structures, culture, and programming.

Pappudu Sriram

Trustee
Pappudu (Pop) Sriram is an Entrepreneur, Environmentalist, Connector and Arts philanthropist. She serves as CEO & Co-Founder of MOCK, which provides top-quality plant-based meat alternatives. Previously, she served as Partner and Managing Director from The Boston Consulting Group, where she focused on Operations and Organisation optimisation.

Manav Gupta

Trustee
Manav has spent 20 years in financial markets and held senior roles at Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank prior to launching a credit hedge fund in 2024. He brings a wealth of experience in finance and operations. He is passionate about holistic girls’ education and is a Trustee at Lady Margaret School in London.

Deepti Velury

Trustee
Deepti Velury is an industry leader within marketing and content production with demonstrated track record in leading and Spearheading leadership roles in global companies like Publicis, TAG Cushman & Wakefield etc and has overseen multi-market operations across 40+ countries. She is also an Independent Non-Executive Director at Applied Nutrition Plc

Benedicte

Trustee
Benedicte brings two decades of international experience in partnerships, operations, and product development across technology and sustainability sectors. She has held senior roles in both global technology companies, including Google, and mission-driven non-profit. As a trustee, she provides strategic guidance to help AKDC grow its reach, strengthen its impact, and sustain its artistic vision.
Join The Movement...
Whether you’re an aspiring dancer, an art lover, a parent, a school, or an organisation looking to make a difference —
AKDC welcomes you.
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