Kuchipudi Classical Dance Village Heritage of West Godavari

Kuchipudi village in West Godavari district (formerly Krishna district) is the birthplace and living centre of Kuchipudi, one of India's eight classical dance forms. The Kuchipudi tradition — combining dance-drama (yakshagana format), pure dance (nritta), and expressive dance-acting (abhinaya) — was codified by the Brahmin community of Kuchipudi village under the patronage of the Thanjavur Nayaka rulers in the 17th century. Originally performed only by male Brahmin actors of the village, Kuchipudi has expanded to include all genders and communities. The distinctive Kuchipudi features include the brass plate balancing act (tarangam), rapid footwork, and highly expressive facial acting. The village is now home to the Siddhendra Yogi Kuchipudi Dance Academy and continues to be the premier training centre.