ORIGIN
This classical dance form from south India has gained much importance through out the country because of its graceful movements and its strong narrative and dramatic character.
In the 13th century there was a young man named Siddhappa whose marriage was arranged to a beautiful girl. Unfortunately while crossing the river to attend his wedding his boat capsized and he was on the verge of being drowned. He pleaded with God to save him and promised to dedicate his life to the service of God. Miraculously he was saved, and on that day, he was "re-born" as Siddhendra Yogi. He wrote a drama in praise of Krishna and gathered dancers to perform the same. These dancers were all male as he felt the inclusion of females might lead to the decadence of the art.
IMPORTANT TERMS
Today Kuchipudi style has its source in 'nattuva melamu' and 'natyamelamu'.
1 'Natyamelamu' consists of a group of actors (males) performing Kuchipudi dance drama.
2 'Nattuvamelam' is a tradition of dance performed by woman artistes. This tradition had two sections , those who performed at the royal courts and those who performed in the temples.
FAMOUS DANCERS
Guru Raja and Radha and Kausalya Reddy, famous exponents of this form. Guru C.R. Acharyulu, Guru Vempeti Chinna Satyam and Guru Korada Narasimha Rao are some other well known dancers
