Kuchipudi: An Overview
Introduction
Kuchipudi is a distinguished classical dance form that originates from the village of Kuchipudi in Andhra Pradesh, India. This vibrant dance-drama tradition is rooted in the ancient Hindu text, the Natya Shastra. Like many classical Indian dance forms, Kuchipudi developed as a religious expression, closely linked to the practices of traveling bards, temple rituals, and spiritual beliefs.
Performance Elements
A typical Kuchipudi performance combines:
- Nritta: Pure dance, focusing on rhythmic movements.
- Nritya: Expressive dance, conveying emotions and narratives.
- Natya: Dramatic elements when a story is being told.
Regional Styles
Kuchipudi features various regional styles, known as banis, each showcasing the unique creativity of its gurus. These styles adhere to the foundational principles established in the Abhinaya Darpana and Bharatarnava by Nandikeswara, further categorized into Nattuva Mala and Natya Mala.
Key Components
Namaskaram
Namaskaram is a traditional gesture performed at the beginning of Kuchipudi performances. This sacred gesture signifies respect and devotion to the divine, the audience, and the gurus. The dancer performs a slight bow while adopting a serene expression, invoking blessings and establishing a spiritual connection. In dance classes, performing Namaskaram at the start and end enhances the experience, reinforcing the importance of respect and devotion.
Basic Terminology
- Aramandi: A fundamental stance characterized by bent knees forming a half-diamond shape.
- Soushtavam: A posture with a straight upper body and pulled-back shoulders.
- Pada Bheda: Various foot positions, including Udghatitha, Sama, Agrathala Sanchara, Anchita, Kunchita, and Suchi.
- Asamyutha and Samyutha Hastas: Single and double hand gestures that convey different meanings and narratives.
- First Half Steps:
- Tham digi tai to Tham tha thadina
- Second Half Steps:
- Tha tai hita to dhi dhi tai
First Half Jatis
- Chaturashra Jaathi (4 beats)
- Step Variations: Thaihi tai dhatham
- Jathi Count: 12
- Thisra Jaathi (3 beats)
- Step Variations: 4 – Thakita
- Jathi Count: 5
- Kanda Jaathi (5 beats)
- Step Variations: 3 – Thaka tha kita
- Jathi Count: 2
- Mishra Jaathi (7 beats)
- Step Variations: 2 - Thakita Thakadhimi
- Jathi Count: 3
- Sankeerna Jaathi (9 beats)
- Step Variations: 4 – thaka dhimi thaka thakita
- Jathi Count: 2
- Poorvarangam
- Atana Jatiswaram
- Ganesh Kouthwam
- Vasantha Jatiswaram
- Narayaneeyam
- Brindavana Nilaye
- Gajavadana beduve
- Jayamu Jayamu
- Bhamakalapam
- Shivashtakam
- Mudugare Yashoda
- Kulukaga Nadavaro
- Alarulu kuriyaga
- Paluku tenala tali
- Dasavataram
- Koluvaithiva Ranga Saayi
- Ashtapadi
- Vedalera Vayarulu
- Kamakshi Stutih
- Shiva Stutih
- Jagadananda Karaka
- Sanchara Dadhare
- Krishna Shabdam
- Ramayana Shabdam
- Ananda Tandavam
- Marakatha Manimaya Chela
- Neelamega Sarira
- Thillana
- More…
Level 1: Beginner
- Adugulu: Fundamental steps
- Hasta: Asamyutha hastas
- Adugulu: Fundamental steps
- Hasta: Samyutha hastas
- Dance: Simple slokams
- Adugulu: Fundamental steps
- Chaturashra Jaathi: First half Jatis (1 to 6)
- Pada Bhedas
- Dance: Simple bhajans/slokams
- Chaturashra Jaathi: First half Jatis (7 to 12)
- Talam and Nadaka
- Dance: Simple bhajans/slokams
- Thisra and Kanda Jaathi: Second half Jatis
- Poorvarangam
- Jatiswaram
- Mishra and Sankeerna Jaathi: Second half Jatis
- Ganesha Kouthwam
- Narayaneeyam
- Higher-level dance items from the Kuchipudi repertoire.