Andhra Pradesh government plans to make learning of Kuchipudi compulsory in all the state syllabus schools, including the private ones, from Class V to VIII. The classical dance form, which originated in Krishna district, is to be taught from the coming academic year.
While the theory classes will be compulsory, the practical ones will be optional.For those opting for the practicals, a four-year diploma certificate will be awarded to the successful student.
“Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu is keen that we introduce a comprehensive plan to promote Kuchipudi both in the country and abroad. As part of this initiative, lessons on Kuchipudi will be introduced to high school students,” K Sasibabu, deputy secretary of AP youth, tourism and culture department, told .
The theory lessons for Kuchipudi have been prepared by Dr Vedantam Ramal inga Sastri, principal of Siddendra Yogi Kuchipudi Kalakshetram in Kuchipudi of Krishna district which is affiliated to Potti Sriramulu University . The lessons have been sent to the State Council of Education Research and Training (SCERT) for approval and the state authorities see no issues in it being granted.
“The approval is likely to come in a few days. Since the textbooks for the coming academic year have already been printed, these lessons will be given as supplementary material to students,” Kuchibhotla Anand, chairman of the recently formed Kuchipudi Natyaramam told. The Naidu government has constituted the Kuchipudi Natyakalaramam to oversee the promotional activities of the dance.
As per the curriculum, Class V students will be taught about Kuchipudi stalwarts and legends like Vemapati Chinna Satyam, Bhagavatula Ramaiah and Vedantam Satyanarayana.Class VI students will learn about mudras and techniques while Class VII students will learn about rules in performing the dance and also its benefits. Various forms of Kuchipudi like Yakshgana, Kalapalu, solos and group performances will be part of Class VIII curriculum.
