2021-10-27
Kuchipudi - Indian Classical Dance
Indian Classical Dance is a very vast field of Indian Culture. It comprises dances from across all the states and union territories. However, eight Indian Classical Dances have gained more popularity across the globe over the last few decades. One of the dance forms to have garnered attention is Kuchipudi.
Kuchipudi originated in the state of Andhra Pradesh in South India. It finds its roots in Bharata Natyasastra from the word Andhiri, specifying the region and “The KaisikiVrithi” which refers to the grace in Kuchipudi. Even though it has its origin from the Dance drama tradition, the dance form involves extensive mudras, precise footwork, and Upanga Abhinaya especially the eye movements that mime the expressions and the story.
Kuchipudi primarily focuses on the Vaishnava tradition dedicated to Lord Krishna. Siddhendra Yogi the God Father Of Kuchipudi created this art form in the 13th Century through his PrabandhaKavyam,”BhamaKalapam”, dedicated to Satyabhama, the queen consort of Lord Krishna.
Kuchipudi performance with respect to the modern day NrithyaNatakamincludes an invocation, introduction of the actors, and briefly stating their role, followed by a short preliminary dance set to music called “dharavu”. These are followed by Nritta (pure dance) and Nritya (which may include Natyaor Play), respectively. It applies the Karnataka Sangeetham for the musical part. Percussion like mridangam, cymbals(Nattuvangam), tambura, flute and veena, are used, the language mostly sung for the dance numbers are in Telugu. The great Maestro VempattiChinna Sathyam has crossed the language barriers too and created his plays in Tamil, Malayalam and Sanskrit.
An interesting fact about Kuchipudi is that earlier men were the only performers. They used to dress up as females to enact a female role. This aspect is known as Female Impersonation, “Rupanurupam”.However, during the 19th C when on a pan Indian level when massive changes were happening in the society especially post British rule, women became a part of this great dance form.
Now that we have some high-level information about Kuchipudi let's understand the advantages of learning the art form.
Kuchipudi, just like our other Indian Classical Dances, is a very versatile dance form. It merges and complements other western dance forms too like contemporary and hip hop.
- Kuchipudi is a great way to learn the art of balancing. The dancers performs using pot and plate, which, when teamed up with various hand gestures and footwork, are an excellent way to learn balance. Also, some of the postures held for a few seconds teach us to balance both mind and body. These aspects are mentioned in the Natyasastra as “The Natya Yoga”
- Since this dance form originated as a part of Bhakthi movement all the songs in the repertoire narrates the path to connect with the almighty where a dancer forgets herself and dwells into a mode of deep meditation.
- It is a way to connect with the almighty through gestures, expressions, and stories narrated during the performance.
- Since Kuchipudi involves equally the flexible two way bendings which is called the “Dwabangis”and the various types of critical footworks which is called the “Pada Vinyasam” helps the body to tone and rejevunate each and every cell and make us extremely active and maintain health.
- It is also a energetic way of destressing and relaxing amidst all the distractions.
- Kuchipudi uses Chari movements and Karanas at every juncture which helps to strengthen muscles and improves posture.
We hope you liked this high-level information on Kuchipudi and are intrigued to learn in-depth about it from the best teachers in Dubai! So what are you waiting for? Contact us at Antara now and confirm your passage to become one with the almighty and express yourself better while ensuring physical and mental strength and growth.
