PI00006958

Traditionally, Kuchipudi was performed at night in Hindu temples or by the light of a fire, for people returning home after a long time. It is characterized by fast paced steps in time to the rhythm and sculptural poses. While it was traditionally performed only by Brahmin (priests), with men performing female roles as well, it is now performed mainly by female dancers. Tarangam is the most popular repertoire in the Kuchipudi dance-drama tradition, which demonstrates an extremely high level of skill. The almost acrobatic movements of the dance contain philosophical metaphors for the heavy responsibilities of life. The Kuchipudi dance is rooted in the Natya Shastra, an ancient Sanskrit Hindu text, while the name Kuchipudi originates from the Kuchelapuram village in the Southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Although Kuchipudi was frequently performed up to the middle ages (15th-16th century), it suffered a decline following the muslim invasion. Later in the early 17th century, it spread across the entire region of India. During the European colonial era, traditional Indian religion and culture was suppressed by Christian missionaries, and the dance suffered the indignity of being treated as a vulgar dance performed by prostitutes. It was revived in the 1920s through the effort of experts who worked to restore the traditional dances of India. Characteristics: ∙One of the 8 major traditional dances recognized by the Indian government Performed by Ananda Shankar Jayant Directed by Sanjukta Sinha

PI00006956

Traditionally, Kuchipudi was performed at night in Hindu temples or by the light of a fire, for people returning home after a long time. It is characterized by fast paced steps in time to the rhythm and sculptural poses. While it was traditionally performed only by Brahmin (priests), with men performing female roles as well, it is now performed mainly by female dancers. Tarangam is the most popular repertoire in the Kuchipudi dance-drama tradition, which demonstrates an extremely high level of skill. The almost acrobatic movements of the dance contain philosophical metaphors for the heavy responsibilities of life. The Kuchipudi dance is rooted in the Natya Shastra, an ancient Sanskrit Hindu text, while the name Kuchipudi originates from the Kuchelapuram village in the Southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Although Kuchipudi was frequently performed up to the middle ages (15th-16th century), it suffered a decline following the muslim invasion. Later in the early 17th century, it spread across the entire region of India. During the European colonial era, traditional Indian religion and culture was suppressed by Christian missionaries, and the dance suffered the indignity of being treated as a vulgar dance performed by prostitutes. It was revived in the 1920s through the effort of experts who worked to restore the traditional dances of India. Characteristics: ∙One of the 8 major traditional dances recognized by the Indian government Performed by Ananda Shankar Jayant Directed by Sanjukta Sinha