Kuchipudi derives its name from the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. This dance form ,which originated in South India, was the result of the Bhakti Movement in the 6th Century. In the 17th Century, Siddendra Yogi, the originator of the form, presented a dance-drama with boys from the village of Kuchipudi. Consciously, the performers raised the form above the reach of the Devadasis. The boys were committed to an annual presentation of the form and passed on the techniques to the next generation. So, a tradition and a form were born. In Kuchipudi, the performer needs to express speech and song through his dance and gestures. The Kuchipudi dancer, apart from being a dancer and an actor, should have a high proficiency in languages like sanskrit and telugu, music, and the texts of performance. Kuchipudi plays are also generally performed in the open air on improvised stages during night. The sutradhar, plays an integral role in introducing the characters, providing humour and bringing together the performance. The fast paced nature of Kuchipudi has made it a popular dramatic-dance form. Presently, it is better known as a solo dance form, with experimental choreography much in demand.