Kuchipudi is a well known classical dance form of India which originates from Andhra Pradesh. Kuchipudi is after the name of a village of the same name in Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh in south India.

In 1678 when Nawab of Golkunda, Abul Hassan happened to be there, enjoyed and liked the kuchipudi performance very much. He was so impressed and delighted by the presentation of the dance drama that he gifted away the village to the performing troupe. Since then it came to be known as 'Kuchipudi'.

From this village, Kuchipudi spread to neighbouring districts and now to towns and cities of various countries. In ancient times, it was 'Devadasi' or 'maid servants of god' who used to perform these dance drama in the temples and shrines before the deities.

As devadasis disintegrated and deteriorated, Kuchipudi also started losing its identity but a number of 'Brahman' experts of the arts collected at 'Kuchipudi Village' and settled down there with a determination to preserve the dance-drama and its pristine purity and grandeur.

Kuchipudi is generated by 'Bhakti Cult' and has imbibed elements from both bharatanatyam and folk form such as Yakshagan. Kuchipudi is also famous for some very complicated items of original foot work such as tracing out an outline of a lion or an elephant without keeping the full feet on the floor, or dancing with the feet on the edges of a circular brass tray or with a water pot delicately and precariously balanced on the head.

Accompaniments and costume

The kuchipudi dance drama is accompanied by carnatic music system which sometimes has a film music touch. The other instruments include Mridangam (the drum), Nattuvangam, Veena, Violin and flute.

The dancers adorn themselves with the traditional temple jewellery which includes head, ear, neck, hands, fingers, waist ornaments. The dancer wears a stitched costume which has five pieces including the angrakha, blouse and pyjama.