Kuchipudi Folk Dance Of Andhra Pradesh

Folk Dance Kuchipudi:-

Kuchipudi is one such unique form of art which is the tasteful blend of grace and vigour, elevation and sensuality, of control and abandon. It is one of the classical dance forms of the South India. Kuchipudi derives its name from the Kuchipudi village of Andhra Pradesh. In the seventeenth century the Kuchipudi village was presented to the Brahmins, who were experts in staging dance and drama. Kuchipudi was introduced as a dance drama, but its present day dispensation tells a different story altogether. It has now been reduced only to dance form, with the drama missing completely. It is a poetic expression of life's variegated moods, and speaks through manifold rhythmic patterns, melodic gestures and subtle facial expressions, creating a new world of ecstasy and ethereal existence.

Kuchipudi carries the sensuousness and fluidity of Odissi with the geometric line of today's Bharata Natyam. It is strictly classical in nature incorporating Lasya, Thandava and Abinaya in the interpretation of Slokas. It incorporates Samyutha and Asamyutha Hasthas, Karana, Chari, Angahara, Mandala, Nrutha Hasthas etc. All mentioned in the NatyaSasthra. Kuchipudi dance is the only dance form where all the four Abhinayas (Angika, Vachika, Aaharya and Satvica) are given equal importance.

The Kuchipudi Dance involves two types of Dance - Nattuva melamu' and 'Natyamelamu' -
1. Nattuva melamu’ involves a group of all male actors performing Kuchipudi Dancedrama.
2. Nattuvamelam involves a group of women dancers. This tradition has two sects - one performing in the Royal Courts and the other performing in the temples.

The most popular Kuchipudi dance forms is the pot dance, in which a dancer keeps a pot filled with water on his/her head, while the feet are balanced on a brass plate. It is because of these qualities and features Kuchipudi dance enjoys great popularity and is recognized as one of the leading classical dance styles of India.

Musical Instrument Used In Kuchipudi :-

Kuchipudi dance makes use of the Carnatic Music. In Carnatic Music the main emphasis is on vocal music; most compositions are written to be sung, and even when played on instruments, they are meant to be performed in a singing style. Mridangam - the South Indian percussion instrument, violin, flute, mandala, cymbals and tambura are used by the Kuchipudi Singers and Drummers.

Costumes of Kuchipudi Dance:-

Make-up and costumes are the unique characteristics of Kuchipudi dance form. The female characters also wear ornaments and jewellery, such as Rakudi (head ornament), Chandra Vanki (arm ornament), Adda Bhasa and Kasina Sara (neck ornament), and a long plait decorated with flowers and jewellery. The Nine Meters long Silken with Golden strip all through the lining worn in an artistic manner makes for the Kuchipudi Dress. Most of the ornaments worn by the artists are made of a light weight wood, called Boorugu.

Popular Artist & Groups of Kuchipudi Dance:-

Sidhendra Yogi, an exceptionally gifted scholar and artiste, who lived in the 16th century gave a definite format and purified this ancient art. Siddhendra Yogi championed the cause of redefining the Kuchipudi dance form, with the aim of eliminating exploitation of women. Renowned gurus, like Vedantam Lakshminarayana, Chinta Krishnamurthy and Tadepalli Perayya, broadened the horizons of the dance form further. This dance style, like many other classical dance forms, was initially presented at temples and was performed by the Brahmin men (known as Bhagavathalu). The very first group of Brahmin performers (Bhagavathalu) was formed in 1502 A.D. Over 2,800 Kuchipudi dancers, including 200-plus natyagurus created a Guinness Worlds Records on December 26, 2010 performing Hidollam Thillana at the GMC Balayogi Stadium in Hyderebad.

Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam,Guru Jayarama Rao and Vanashree Rao Vedantam Lakshminarayana, Dr. Uma Rama Rao, Tadepalli Perayya, Chinta Krishna Murthy are some of the prominent personalities of Kuchipudi. Kuchipudi has gripped its roots in forgien countries also like Nilimma Devi, Sasikala Penumarthi and Revathi Komanduri in Atlanta, Kamala Reddy in Pittsburgh, Ratna Papa in Texas, Jyothi Lakkaraju, Vaidehi Yellai, Himabindu Challa, and Madhuri Kishore in the San Francisco.

Picture of Kuchipudi Dance:-

     

    

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