Kuchipudi is the one of the eight classical dances of India. Kuchipudi is the name of one village, which was earlier known as kuchilapuram.
Kuchipudi is the one of the eight classical dances of India. Kuchipudi is the name of one village, which was earlier known as kuchilapuram. It is located in Divitaluke district. Near about 1502, the brahmins, also known as Bhagvatthalu, used to practice this traditional form. Kuchipudi dance had been also mentioned in copper inscriptions of 10th century and in texts like Machupalli kiffat of 15th century.
In earlier times, only male dancers used to perform this dance, even female characters were also presented by males but the distinguished gurus like Vedantam Lakshmi Narayan Ji, Chinta Krishnamoorti ji and Taadepalli Peraya ji made this dance more prosperous by adding females into it. During 17 th century Siddhendra Yogi Ji, the disciple of Tirath Narayana Yati ji had taken this dance to new heights, He Had also created a theatrical item named”Parijat Harnam”. Vemapati Chinna Satyam Ji has added many dance dramas as well as solo dances to it. With the combination of Tandava and Lasya, Kuchipudi is very Graceful and inflorescence dance. It is based on Natha Shastra Grantha.
The Items included in Kuchipudi
- Purvarang Poojan: This mangalcharan part is performed behind the curtain and after this the narrator worships Lord Ganesha, Shiva and Lord Venkateshwra.
- Pravesh Dharvu: This part is basically taken from “Yaksha Gaana”.The dancer come and introduce themselves to audience.
- Jethiswaram: Same as bharatnatyam, it is pure dance. In this part the beautiful combination of taals and swaras are shown.
- Shabdam: It is an expressional part. The dancer all alone exhibits the mythological story with the help of shlokas, lyrics and dance.
- Keertan: It is a sanskrit word. In this part the dancer shows the lyrics of Jaidev Ji, Tyagraj ji through their dance but without rhythmic pattern.
- Javalli: It is a poetical recitation. It shows the relations of male and female like Krishna and Radha.
- Tillana: It is virtually the pure dance. In it, the dancer shows beautiful movements in fast speed.
- Kauthuvam: In this the dancer invocates and praises Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva. This part marks the climax of Kuchipudi dance.
- Tarangam: Guru Tirath Narayan Yati ji had written many proses for it. The dancer balances a pitcher full of water on the head and stands upon a plate and do the steps. Sometimes two diyas are also enlightened upon it. Many a times stories related with Krishna’s Childhood are depicted in it.
Music and Costume
The Kuchipudi dance is based on the Carnatic music and mainly presented in Telugu language. One singer or Guru, Mridangam, Violin, Cymbals, Veena, Flute etc. are integral part of it.
Male dancers wear dhoti and Angivastra which is known as Bagalbandi. Female dancers wear Saree and blouse. They also wear gajra and do the makeup. The dancer wear traditional jewellery made up of light wood “Burugu”.
