Kuchipudi

Kuchipudi is a dance form which was originated in a village of the same name in Andhra Pradesh in India. This popular dance form of South India is a blend of music and abhinaya (postures). Siddhendra Yogi was the founder of this dance form.

There are various dance styles of Kuchipudi which are primarily based on the standard treatises, viz. Abhinaya Darpana and Bharatarnava of Nandikeshwara.

There are two broader sub-divisions of this dance - Nattuva Mala and Natya Mala.

Nattuva Mala has mainly two kinds - the Puja dance performed on the Balipitha in the temple and the Kalika dance performed in a Kalyana mandapam.

Nattuva Mala dances are further of three types - Ritual dance for gods, Kalika dance for intellectuals and Bhagavatam for commons.
The Natya Mala is a dance-drama performed by a troupe, consisting only of men, who also play feminine roles.

Kuchipudi not only flourished in India, but also around the world.

Nearby pages
Kuen-Lun, Kukna, Kulia, Kulis, Kulm, Kumar Gupta I