Music & Dance :

Kuchipudi :

The origin of Kuchipudi is a hamlet in Andhra Pradesh called Kuchelapuri or Kuchelapuram in the 3rd century B.C. This dance style like many other classical dance forms was presented at temples and was performed by the Brahmin men (known as Bhagavathalu). These programmes were offerings to the deities and they never allowed women in their group.The very first group of Brahmin performers (Bhagavathalu) was formed in 1502 A.D. Kuchipudi dramas are enacted during nights in open air on improvised stages. The audience sits on the groundBefore the dance drama starts there are certain rituals which are performed in front of the audience.

After the rituals the Soothradhara or the conductor, with the supporting musicians, comes on the stage and gives a play of rhythm on the drums and cymbals and announces the title of the dance drama. After this two people enter, holding a curtain behind which is a dancer in the mask of Ganpati (the elephant headed god).
The dancer dances for some time to worship Ganpati, so that the dance drama goes on without hitches. In a Kuchipudi performance, each principal character introduces himself or herself on the stage with a daru. A daru is a small composition of dance and song specially designed for each character to help him or her reveal his or her identity and also to show the performer's skill in the art. There are nearly 80 darus or dance sequences in the dance drama. Behind a beautiful curtain held by two persons, Satyabhama enters the stage with her back to the audience. Bhama Kalapam, Gollakalapam, Prahlada Charitam, Sashirekha Parinaya etc.are some of the famous dance dramas.

<<Back to Music & Dance | Home