KUCHIPUDI
Form : Dance Drama Tradition
Originally Performed : By Men Only
Technique Of Kuchipudi : Fast Rhythmic Footwork And Sculpturesque Body Movements.
Kuchipudi is Andhra's outstanding
contribution towards the enrichment of the culture of India. Divine in
form, it is famous for its grace, elegance and charm and this dance form
derives its name from the village of its origin, Kuchipudi in Krishna
District, where great artistes built up, nurtured, protected and refined
this dance form into the great technique that it has grown into today.
Stories About The Origin Of Kuchipudi
According
to one story - In the 13th century there was a young man named Siddhappa
whose marriage was arranged to a beautiful girl. Unfortunately while
crossing the river to attend his wedding his boat capsized and he was on
the verge of being drowned. He pleaded with God to save him and promised
to dedicate his life to the service of God. Miraculously he was saved, and
on that day, he was reborn as Siddhendra Yogi, a great Telugu poet of the
17th century who composed the dance-drama "Bhama Kalapam" in
praise of Lord Krishna and gathered dancers to perform the same.
These dancers were all male as he felt the inclusion of females might
lead to the decadence of the art. Siddhendra Yogi also authored the "Parijathapaharanam",
possibly the first Kuchipudi dance drama. This style, which had its
origins in the Bhagavata Mela Natakam or dance drama tradition, has come
to be known as the Kuchipudi dance style today.
Some people believe that this dance drama tradition came to be nurtured
in the Kuchipudi village is a story of the religious tolerance that
existed in India even in the 13th century. It so happened that a group of
dancers performed in the court of a Nawab in Andhra
Pradesh. Their rendition of the dance drama was so impressive that
he gifted the village of Kuchipudi to the artists with the promise that
they would continue the tradition of performing. From that day onwards all
the male scions of the Kuchipudi village have pursued this art. Different
themes taken from Indian mythology form the content of these dance dramas.
There are several interesting incidents in the history of Kuchipudi. Once
a group of Kuchipudi artistes depicted the atrocities inflicted by a cruel
ruler in the neighbouring king's court. So effective was their rendition
that the king put an immediate end to the tyrannical ruler.
Dance Style
Kuchipudi is a perfect balance between "Nritta", "Nritya"
and "Natya". The Nritta is a rhythmic sequence that concludes a
song; the Nritya or "Sabdams" in which the rhythmic passages are
followed by interpretations and Natya is a complete dance drama with
storyline and characters.
Fast Footwork
The technique of Kuchipudi makes use of fast rhythmic footwork and
sculpturesque body movements. Stylised mime, using hand gestures and
subtle facial expression, is combined with more realistic acting,
occasionally including dialogues spoken by the dancers. In this blend of
performance techniques, Kuchipudi is unique among the Indian classical
dance styles.
Another unique feature of Kuchipudi is the "Tarangam", in which
the performer dances on the edge of a brass plate, executing complicated
rhythmic patterns with dexterity, while sometimes also balancing a pot of
water on the head. The dancer moves on the stage manipulating the brass
plate, with the feet kept on its rim, simultaneously performing hand
movements without spilling a drop of water on the ground.
The Performance
The genesis of Kuchipudi art, as of most Indian classical dances, is
associated with religion. For a long time, the art was presented only at
temples and
that too only for annual festivals of certain temples in Andhra. It is a
dance that is also a drama for the performers to act and speak as well.
Originally, these dance dramas were performed only by men who belonged to
the Brahmin community. These Brahmin families were known popularly as "Bhagavathulu"
of Kuchipudi.
Conceived of as a dance drama, Kuchipudi was not meant to be a solo
dance. It was presented in the open air on a stage by men and boys who
received vigorous training in 'Abhinaya' or acting,
music, dancing
and singing.
The presentation begins with some stage rites, which are performed in
full view of the audience. Then the "Sootradhar" or the narrator
and the supporting musicians appear on-stage and give a percussion
performance on the drums and cymbals. In a Kuchipudi performance, each
principal character introduces himself or herself on the stage with a
'Daru'. A Daru is a brief composition of dance and song specially designed
for each character to help him or her reveal his or her identity and also
to show the performer's skill in the art. There are nearly 80 'Darus' or
dance sequences in the dance drama.
Music In Kuchipudi
The
music in Kuchipudi is classical Carnatic. A typical orchestra for a
Kuchipudi recital includes the Mridangam, Flute and Violin. A vocalist
sings the lyrics, and the "Nattuvanar" conducts the orchestra
and recites the rhythmic patterns.
A New Solo Dance Style
Kuchipudi has recently evolved into a solo dance style. In this form, the
prohibition against women dancers has disappeared. At its core, however,
Kuchipudi retains its dramatic origins. Solo dances are characterized by
rich expressions, fast rhythms, swinging knee movements and circular
movement of the arms, all creating a mood of abandon and excitement.
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