Kuchipudi is an Indian classical dance originating in Andhra Pradesh, India. According to legend, an orphan named Siddhendra Yogi founded the Kuchipudi dance-drama tradition. Kuchipudi derives its name from the village Kuchelapuram, where it was nurtured by great scholars and artists who built up the repertoire and refined the dance technique.
The technique of Kuchipudi makes use of fast rhythmic footwork and sculpture like body movements. Stylized mime, using hand gestures and subtle facial expression, is combined with more realistic acting, occasionally including dialogues spoken by the dancers. In this blend of performance techniques, Kuchipudi is unique among the Indian classical dance styles. Kuchipudi today is performed either as a solo or a group presentation, but historically it was performed as a dance drama, with several dancers taking different roles. The themes are mostly derived from the scriptures and mythology, and the portrayal of certain characters is a central motif of this dance form.
The technique of Kuchipudi makes use of fast rhythmic footwork and sculpture like body movements. Stylized mime, using hand gestures and subtle facial expression, is combined with more realistic acting, occasionally including dialogues spoken by the dancers. In this blend of performance techniques, Kuchipudi is unique among the Indian classical dance styles. Kuchipudi today is performed either as a solo or a group presentation, but historically it was performed as a dance drama, with several dancers taking different roles. The themes are mostly derived from the scriptures and mythology, and the portrayal of certain characters is a central motif of this dance form.