History of Kuchipudi

Kuchipudi a Dance Drama - is one of eight classical dance styles of India. The dance tradition evolves from Andhra Pradesh, from a village called (then called as Kuchelapuram - Kuchelaru means Brahmins) Kuchipudi in Krishna district through Bhagavathars who are Brahmin boys. In past, dance dramas called Bhagavata melas were performed, where women characters were also performed by men as there were restrictions from the society and village not to teach women.

The dance has equal aspects of Abhinaya i.e. Angika, Vachika, Aaharya and Satwika wherein Vachikabhinaya has a special focus.Natyadharmi and Lokadharmi are also equally used. The researchers and scholars classified Kuchipudi into Nattuvamela and Natyamela.

Nattuvamela: It is devadasi tradition of surrendering to God through dance as a medium of worship. In this tradition only women were dancers.

Natyamela: In this tradition all dancers were only men. Women are not allowed. Men used to perform women characters which later became famous as Kuchipudi Bhagavatars Natyamela.

Siddendra Yogi

Siddendra Yogi, the Adi Guru of Kuchipudi has contributed for the revival and survival of the art form. During those times Geetha Govinda of Jayadeva was in practice which explains love of Krishna and Radha. On the basis of this poetry, Siddendra Yogi created the jewel of Kuchipudi "Bhamakalapam"a iconic dance drama with 3 characters i.e. Sathyabhama as Nayaki, Krishna as Nayaka, Madhavi as Sakhi. Later he wrote "Gollakalapam"a dance drama where Krishna childhood leelas, his youthful romantic traits were depicted.

In the later years most prominent of Kuchipudi families contributed to the art form as mentioned below:

• Chinta Venkataramayya had written "Prahlad Charitham", "Usha Parinayam", "Shashirekha Parinayam".

• Vedantam Laxmi Narayana Shastry modulated kuchipudi dance into a new dimension where he opened the doors for women to dance Kuchipudi. And he is the one who created and promoted the solo Kuchipudi items like Jathiswarams, Jaavali, Padam, Ashtapadi, Thillanas, Tarangams, etc. Also he is the one who introduced dance on the brass plate which became special attraction for this dance style. He wastitled as "Bharata Kala Prapoorn".