KUCHIPUDI started as dance-drama in a small hamlet in the village of Kuchipudi in Andhra Pradesh in the 3rd century B.C. Like most other classical dances this was also first presented in temples and was performed by Brahmin men. The dance-dramas were meant as offerings to the deities. Women were never allowed to participate in these dances. The first group of performers was officially formed in 1502 AD.
Siddhendra Yogi wanted to eliminate the exploitation of women and to redefine the Kuchipudi dance. Due to his efforts the dance was enriched by the inclusion of female dancers. As time went on women took greater and greater part so that the dance now has mostly all women and they even play the male parts! It is now reduced to dance without the drama.
Certain rituals must be performed in front of the audience before the dance. After the rituals the conductor comes out along with the musicians who play on the drums, and cymbals. He announces the title of the dance. Then two people enter holding a curtain behind which is a dancer in the mask of Ganpati - the elephant headed god. When the curtain is removed she dances to honor Ganpati.
Then each principal dancer introduces herself/himself with a small composition of dance and song specially designed to reveal her/his identity as the character for the dance and to show her/his skill in the art. Only after this does the dance itself begin.
During the British rule the Kuchipidi dance had a real down fall, but since Indian independence it has been revised and become popular again.
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