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Synopsis Kuchipudi, the indigenous dance style of Andhra Pradesh, in Southeast India, evolved in the village of the same name, originally called Kuchelapuri or Kuchelapuram, a hamlet in the Krishna District, supposedly around 3 century BC. Kuchipudi was, and continues to be, a vibrant, and living dance tradition of this region. The genesis of Kuchipudi, as of most of the classical dances, is associated with religion. In fact, for a very long time, classical dance was only presented on religious occasions and in certain temple premises.  Kuchipudi dance, according to tradition, was only performed by Brahmin men, called Bhagavatulu. The first such group was said to have been formed in 1502 A.D. This all-male ensemble, rejecting women from the group, considered its performances as offerings to the deities. The Bhagavatulu presented dance dramas in Telugu, (the language of Andhra Pradesh), called Ata Bhagavatham, and did not perform solo dances, which are so popular today. These dance dramas took place on makeshift stages, improvised and built in the open.