Kuchipudi is a classical dance form that originated in Kuchipudi village of South India. In the early times this dance form was only performed in the temples and that too during the annual festivals. Only men belonging to Brahmin class performed Kuchipudi dance; women were not allowed to learn this intricate form of dance.

In the 15th century, Siddhendra Yogi moved heaven and earth to remove all the exploitative rules and regulations, and strengthen and enrich the repertoire of Kuchipudi Dance. The advent of female dancers further broadened, redefined, enhanced and embellished this ancient dance form.

With the passage of time, the women dancers started playing the male roles. The dedication, commitment and allegiance of women dancers was incomparable; some of them even rose up to become renowned gurus like Chinta Krishnamurthy, Lakshmi Narayana Shastry and Tadepalli Perayya.

Kuchipudi dance form requires expertise in Bhava Abhinaya and Sattwika Abhinaya. The most attractive features of this dance is complex footwork, sinuous poise and supple grace. The eyes are excessively used to express different moods and feelings. Till today, the principles explained in Natya Shastra are implemented in the form of dance.

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