A new Gunniess Book world record was set on June 21, 2008 in Cupertino as the largest number of dancers (318) performed the ancient Indian classical dance form of Kuchipudi.

The feat was observed and authenticated by Danny Girton of the Guniess Book of world records at the site in DE Anza College in Cupertino, Silicon Valley, California.

About 2,000 people attended the conference, Participants included dancers from five continents assembled to set a world record and participate in the three day International Kuchipudi Dance conference on June 20 to June 22, 2008. Also present were Mayor Ms Dolly sandoval of Cupertino, Supervisor Liz Kniss and Fremont City Councilmember Ms. Anu Natarajan< Minster of State HRD (India)Mrs Purandeswari and others.

Kuchipudi is an ancient Indian classical dance form over 1,000 years old, preserved through centuries. Silicon Andhra, a non-profit group organized the event to promote Kuchipudi dance and art form in an international setting
and honor Kuchipudi dance stalwarts from India and motivate discussion

Organizers also held a parade on Saturday June 21, called"Kuchipudi Shobha Yatra," on the streets of Cupertino,led by its Mayor Dolly Saldoval, and other local dignitaries as wel as Gurus who have kept the art form alive. Also on display were several festive statues brought from Kuchipudi village in India.

In keeping with traditional homage to teachers of the dance and art form, the event also honored renowned Kuchipudi exponents like Vempati Chinnasatyam, Yamini Krishnamoorthy, Raja and Radha Reddy, Pasumarthi
Gopalakrishna,Vedanta Satyanarayana Sharma and others.

Various performances by local Kuchipudi dance schools and also grad ballads conducted by renowned dance teachers were presented on the main stage at the Flint Center for Performing Arts, along with dozens of informative and scholarly presentations on the Kuchipudi dance and art form.

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