T A R A N G A M

D    A    N    C    E    G    R    O    U    P

Kuchipudi is one of eight Indian classical dance forms. It is named after a village in 
the state of Andhra Pradesh, called “Kuchipudi”, where it originated.


The art form originally began as an all male dance tradition, and was well known 
for its female impersonation by male dancers and full-length dance dramas until 
the mid 20th century. Today, more women than men perform Kuchipudi.



The introduction of the form to women, and the development of the solo repertoire, 
can be attributed to two major figures – Guru Vedantam Lakshminarayana Sastry 
and Guru Vempati Chinnasatyam.A living legend, Guru Vempati Chinnasatyam, with 
his passion for and life long commitment to Kuchipudi, has undoubtedly ensured 
the recognition of Kuchipudi as a prominent Indian classical
dance form.

Kuchipudi is based on the Natya Shastra, a detailed codified
text on dance, music and theater. The hand, face and body gestures and 
movements identified in this dramaturgical text are used by the dancer to 
bring alive any poem, song or text. The content of most Kuchipudi dances 
are based on Hindu mythology, religion and spirituality.