What is Kuchipudi?

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Kuchipudi is an Indian Classical dance form originating from Andhra Pradesh.

Kuchipudi is the name of a village from Andhra Pradhesh. It is about 22 miles from Vijayawada. Most scholars credit Sri Siddhendra Yogi as the creator of Kuchipudi Natya, or dance drama. It is also said that Siddhendra Yogi once had a dream of Lord Krishna, in which he asked Siddhendra Yogi to compose a dance drama based off of the story of the bringing of the parijatha flower to his most beloved queen, Sathyabhama. Thus, Siddhendra Yogi composed "Bhamakalapam," which is one of the most well known songs in the Kuchipudi repertoire.

Kuchipudi has always been my go-to thing whenever someone asks about a passion of mine. It's something I've been in since I was a child, and it's something I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. I always turn to it when I'm stressed, anxious, or just as a break from life. There may be moments where I've felt like quitting would make life so much easier, but in reality, I've always known that without dance, I wouldn't be who I am today.