The Kuchupudi Style is a classical dance is now known world-wide.
This dance form is said to have evolved out of the Nattuva Melas ,a classical style.
Kuchupudi is the name of a village in Divi Taluq in Krishna District and since the Brahmins living there practiced and propagated the classical dance form .it acquired the name of the village.The village is in an area known for artistic divine and literary pursuits .And nearby is Srikakulam,a place where the Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara empire ruled.
By the time Golconda King Abdul Hasan Tanesha was ruling this area.Kuchupudi art acquired a perfect form.
It was presented before him when he camped at Kuchupudi for a night.It is said that Tanesha was so impressed with the art that he gifted about 600 acres of land as a endowment to the Kuchupudi Brahmins bestowing hereditary rights to nine families of scholars.
Siddhendra yogi, considered as the first scholar who scientifically framed the art , is stated to belong to the Vijayanagara period. He was responsible for giving shape to the dance drama and also imparting training to the young Brahmins. The yogi reserved this dance for males,"Bhamakalapam" is his gift to the dance form.
Most of the artists surviving under the benevolence of the Vijayanagara Kings had to migrate to Nayaka Kingdom ruled with Thanjavur as their capital.
In Olden days , a kuchupudi performance invariable began with the aura built up initially, like a curtain showing up over which a braided plait was thrown. It was like throwing a challenge to any artist or audience to come and defeat performer of the evening and then claim the plait, by simply cutting it off.
Ornaments worn from kuchupudi dance were originally made from a light wood called "Boorugu" in Telugu .Shoulder blades,crowns,armlets,arm bands and wristlets were carved out of wood and colored . But Today they have given place to metal ware.
After the AndhraPradesh Sangeetha Naataka Academy was formed an attempt was made to give authenticity to the dance style as an Indian classical art . Recommendations were sent to the Central Nataka Academy pleading for due recognition which met with positive response. Since then Kuchupudi has attained International status. And many artistes , male and female are practicing this art form charmed by its dramatic appeal that captures the audience.
Now, a college exists at Kuchupudi village to provide training in this dance. There is also a Sanskrit school near by which educates the artistes in the literature part of the art.