One of the top 10 classical dance styles in India, Kuchipudi is a dance-drama performance art that has its roots in a village in Andhra Pradesh.

It is a leading Indian classical dance form.

The ancient Hindu Sanskrit literature "Natya Shastra" is where Kuchipudi, like all other major Indian classical dance styles, finds its roots.

Kuchipudi is usually associated with temples, spiritual faiths, and travelling bards.

This ancient dancing style is mentioned in manuscripts from the 15th century, such as the "Machupalli Kaifat," and copper inscriptions from the 10th century.

Tradition holds that the current iteration of the dance style was first organised, methodized, and performed in the 17th century by the sanyasin of the Advaita Vedanta sect, Tirtha Narayana Yati, and his student Siddhendra Yogi.

The typical Kuchipudi performance repertoire that is largely centred on Lord Krishna and the Vaishnavite tradition includes an invocation, a brief dance called a dharavu, a pure dance called a nritta, and an expressive dance called a nritya.

Children will participate in an interactive zoom meeting with the Guest Speaker Ms. PUJITA KRISHNA and celebrity show host Mrs. NIDHI KUMAR and showcase their creative work and their journey.

About the guest speaker:   

Pujita Krishna is the Founder and Artistic Director of Feet on Earth, she has an eclectic academic and professional background.

A dancer and writer primarily, she has had a diverse career spanning several areas such as media, films, journalism, community work, teaching and training.

This wide-ranging experience has cumulatively lent itself to shaping her artistic personality and perception.

With a Master’s degree in Fine Arts specialising in Dance from the University of California, Pujita has a multi-disciplinary background in dance.

She is primarily an Indian Classical performer with expertise in Vilasini Natyam and Kuchipudi. During her time at the University of California, she had the opportunity to train in many western forms as well such as modern, jazz and flamenco.

Pujita Krishna began her training in Vilasini Natyam in 2006 under the tutelage of Padmabhushan Swapnasundari and Dr. Anupama Kylash.

She was awarded the best performance prize at the 112th annual festival of the prestigious Parthasarthy sabha in Chennai in February 2013. She was a recipient of the Ugadi Puraskar conferred by Dhanwantari Foundation, Hyderabad in 2014 and was awarded the IIDF award for Vilasini Natyam for 2016 by Sanskruthiki, an organisation founded by Sri Shyamhari Chakra, a well-known dance connoisseur.

She has several performances to her credit which include prestigious cultural venues such as the Natyanjali Festival at Chidambaram, IIDF festivals at Bhubaneshwar and Bangalore, The Guruvayoor temple festival, Cuttack Mahotsav, including international performances such as for SPICMACAY at Sydney, Australia and for the Gandhi Centre at the Hague, Netherlands

About the Host: 

Mrs. Nidhi Kumar, Director Media Management, Skoolz & Celebrity show host on India’s public broadcaster DD NEWS and DD NATIONAL, Ministry of Science and Technology, Media lead and ambassador for Mitron App and Advisory board. Media Red Carpet entertainers, Trustee Netaji. She has spearheaded many environmental projects and is a motivational speaker for young Indians.