Historians record that Kuchipudi is the classical art form having its roots with the most significant Yakshagaana , the popular dance-drama art form prominent in the deccan plateau. Today’s Kuchipudi is the refined form of its predecessors with the efforts by Siddhendra Yogi under the guidance of Theerthanarayana Yogi, the man behind the most revered Kaavya Krishnaleela Tharangini.

Named after a small village in Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh, Kuchipudi plays a vital role in the field of Carnatic music for the past two centuries. Based on the legendary story of Lord Krishna giving Parijatha Flower to his favorite consort Rukmini and the follow up events between Him and the other consort Sathyabama is a masterpiece in Kuchipudi repertoire, popularly known as Bhaamakalaapam.

During the initial stages of nurturing this fine art form of dance-drama, only male members took the lead and only during later stages, female artistes got involved. Also, intitially, Kuchipudi was a solo performance and later got improvised to include two people. Even now, if required, solo performances are included as part of the show and this style is called Tarangam, impacted by Krishnaleela Tharangini.

A syncopate of the popular classical Carnatic music accompanies the dance- drama and the most highlighting feature of the show will be either balancing on the rim of the brass plate while dancing or will balance a pitcher full of water placed on head, significantly exhibiting the acrobatic dance movements and the ability of dancers to align and control their body over the moves.

A gorgeously decorated stage, divinely bedecked dancers, a brass plate or a jug full of water, a mridangam player, violin player and the conductor of orchestra seen to possess a cymbal and utters the sollukattus( syllables with mnemonic rhythm) is all you need to enjoy a vibrant Kuchipudi dance-drama. Don’t miss it if you happen to be in Andhra Pradesh for your vacation this time.