Dances from India – Kuchipudi

Kuchipudi dance from India, performed by Dr. Neethu Mohan.

Kuchipudi is a classical Indian dance form that originated in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. It is named after the village of Kuchipudi in Andhra Pradesh, where it was first performed. The dance form is characterized by its intricate footwork, graceful movements, and subtle facial expressions. It incorporates both pure dance (Nritta) and expressive dance (Nritya) elements, as well as storytelling through dance (Natya).

Kuchipudi has a rich history, with its origins dating back to the 3rd century BCE. It was originally performed by a group of itinerant actors known as Bhagavathalu, who would travel from village to village, performing plays and dances based on Hindu mythology. Over time, Kuchipudi evolved into a more refined and sophisticated art form, with the development of a distinct style and technique. Today, it is recognized as one of the eight classical dance forms of India and is performed both within India and internationally. Kuchipudi performances typically begin with an invocation to the gods, followed by a series of pure dance sequences, expressive dance sequences, and storytelling through dance. The themes of the performances often draw from Hindu mythology, with the dancers portraying various gods, goddesses, and other mythological characters. Like any other Indian traditional dance form the evolution of Kuchipudi has been remarkable.