Classical
Indian Dance Form - Kuchipudi Dance, Tarangam & Dance
Accompaniments
What is Kuchipudi? Kuchipudi
is a classical dance form which is native to the state of
Andhra Pradesh (AP). This dance is named after the village
of Kuchipudi in AP and is similar to the Kathakali
dance as this too is a form of dance and drama.
Origin
of Kuchipudi Dance It
is believed that Kuchipudi dance originated way back in 1500
AD. Back then, this dance was only performed in temples and
usually by brahmin priests as a sign of devotion and respect
for the diety. Since then, the Kuchipudi dance has evolved
and today, it occupies an important place in the list of classical
Indian dances. Over time, women joined this traditional dance
form and added a new flavour to the dance.
Kuchipudi
Dance Themes The
main themes of the Kuchipudi dance includes stories, tales
and scenes from mythology and epics. The dancer uses a combination
of dance, music, mime and acting to present the story and
bring alive emotions. Swift foot work in a rhythmic fashion
and speech are other important elements of the dance performance.
Kuchipudi
Dance Techniques
This lyrical dance form is a treat for the eyes.
The dancers use beautiful
expressions and foot work as well as eye movements to convey
different emotions and rasas.
Another interesting facet
of the Kuchipudi dance is the ease and beauty with which
the dancer showcases her balancing skills. This aspect
of the Kuchipudi dance is known as "Tarangam".
A good example of this is
when the performer uses her strong sense of balance to dance
while standing on the edges of a metal plate. As she
follows the beats of the drum, it is fascinating to
watch her rhythmic foot work while balancing her body, standing
on the rim of a brass plate.
This performance becomes even
more difficult when the Kuchipudi dancer also places
a pot of water on her head.
Kuchipudi
Dance Accompaniments & Costumes The
Kuchipudi dance performance is accompanied by traditional
Carnatic
Music. The musical instruments which are played during
the performance include - Drum (Mridangam), Flute, Veena and
the Violin, etc. Mridangam (the drum), Nattuvangam, Veena,
Violin and Flute.
Kuchipudi
dance costumes are stitched to perfection and usually
come in a number of bright colors. The items of clothing include
the pyjama, angrakha, blouse, etc. In addition, dancers wear
exquisite, traditional jewellery pieces which adorn different
parts of their body such as the head, hair, hands, neck, fingers
and waist, etc. A garland of flowers around the head is another
important item.
Famous
Kuchipudi Dancers
Some
of the well known masters of Kuchipudi Dance include
Kuchipudi
Performance
Mallika Sarabhai
Raja & Radha Reddy
Kaushalya Reddy
Chinta Krishnamurthy
Tadepalli Perayya,
Bhavana Reddy
Yamini Reddy
Contributions
are Invited Are you a Kuchipudi
Dancer? To add greater value to this page, we invite you
to contribute your picture in your traditional Kuchipudi dance costume
for inclusion on this webpage. We'll surely add your name under
the picture as a token of thanks (Courtesy:) Email us at [email protected]
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share your articles, views and feedback with us. Noticed
an error? Let us know [email protected]
