Kuchipudi is a Classical Indian dance from Andhra Pradesh, India. It is popular all over South India. Kuchipudi dance derives its name from the village Kuchelapuram in the Divi Taluka of Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, 32 miles from Vijaywada and was named after the resident Brahmins practicing this traditional dance form.
About Kuchipudi performance:
Kuchipudi performance usually begins with some stage rites, after which each of the characters come on to the stage and introduces herself with a dharavu (a small composition of both song and dance) to introduce the identity, set the mood, of the character in the drama. The drama then begins. Kuchipudi dance is accompanied by song which is typically Carnatic music ie. Karna aka sa gita or Karna aka sa gitam is a system of music commonly associated with the southern part of the Indian subcontinent. The singer is accompanied by mridangam (a classical South Indian percussion instrument), violin, flute and the tambura (a drone instrument with strings which are plucked). Ornaments worn by the artists are generally made of a lightweight wood called Boorugu. It originated in the seventh century.
Kuchipudi is a dance of fast rhythmic footwork and sculpturesque body movements. Stylized mine, hand gestures and subtle facial expression combined with realistic acting along with occasional dialogues spoken by the dancers. Kuchipudi is a performance of a dance drama. Kuchipudi is the unique dance among the Indian classical dances. Kuchipudi performances are done either in Solo or in groups with several dancers taking different roles. The theme of Kuchipudi dance is mostly based on scriptures and mythology. Another unique feature of Kuchipudi is the Tarangam, in which the performer dances on the edges of a brass plate, executing complicated rhythmic patterns with dexterity, while sometimes also balancing a pot of water on the head.
Style of Kuchipudi:
Kuchipudi dancers are quicksilver and sparkling, while dancing the position of their legs is rounded and fleet-footed, they perform with grace and fluid movements. Kuchipudi dance shares many common elements with Bharatanatyam. In its solo exposition Kuchipudi numbers include 'jatiswaram' and 'tillana' whereas in nrityam it has several lyrical compositions reflecting the desire of a devotee to merge with God. There are certain types of dances that are unique to Kuchipudi: Specifically there is the Tarangam which is unique, in that the dancer holds a plate with two diyas (small oil-burning candles) in her hands while balancing a 'kindi' (small vessel) containing water.
Kuchipudi dance styles in the state are based on the standard treatises, Abhinaya Darpana and Bharatarnava of Nandikeshwara, which is sub-divided into Nattuva Mala and Natya Mala. Nattuva Mala is of two types — the Puja dance performed on the Balipitha in the temple and the Kalika dance performed in a Kalyana Mandapam. Natya Mala is of three kinds — ritual dance for gods, Kalika dance for intellectuals and Bhagavatam for common place. The Natya Mala is a dance-drama performed by a troupe, consisting only of men, who play feminine roles. Vachika abhinaya (use of words/dialogues) is also a special feature of the Kuchipudi style.
Movement & Music of Kuchipudi:
Kuchipudi dance is performed on classical Carnatic music. This performance is an imitation of attractive expressions, sharp looks and fleeting emotions. The lyrics used in Kuchipudi are usually in Telugu and Sanskrit verses.
The numbers of Kuchipudi are :
- Tarangam - The song accompanying this number is from Krishna Leela Tarangini, which counts on the life and events of Lord Krishna. **Thali and Pot Image downloaded**
- Bhama Kalapam - It is a dance drama, in acts the role of Satyabhama the proud and self-assured queen of Lord Krishna. She goes through various stages of love. When in separation from Lord Krishna, she recalls the happy days of union and pines for him. At last they are reunited when she sends him a letter.
- Krishna Shabdam - An act in which a milkmaid invites Krishna for a rendezvous in myriads of ways giving full scope for the dancer to display the charms of a woman.
- Gollakalapam
- Prahlada Charitam
- Sashirekha
- Parinaya
Kuchipudi is as ancient as Natya astra (1st century BC) it is a dance drama form besides solo. An invocatory verse also indicates that four forms of dance were prevalent then, of which ‘Dakshintya’ or South Indian form is apparently the earliest version of Kuchipudi. There is also historical evidence that the art flourished during the reign of the Satavahanas (2nd century BC). Over the centuries as the performances were dedicated to the worship of Vishnu, the form came to be known as Bhagavata Mela Natakam. It was during Siddhendra Yogi’s time (14th – 15th century) that it came to be known as Kuchipudi, named after the village established by Siddhendra Yogi where his follower, the Brahmin performers settled down.
Kuchipudi Performances:
Today, a Kuchipudi performance is primarily performed on a proscenium stage, and is traditionally accompanied by a live orchestra, consisting of a singer, a percussionist on mridangam, a violinist and a flautist. The Nattuvanar or the person wielding the cymbals controls the orchestra and sets the pace of the entire performance. Together, they play swarams (notes) and ragams (melodies) from Carnatic music to which the dancer will perform.
Source: http://www.itcsra.org/
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