KUCHIPUDI

Kuchipudi is one of the classical dance forms of the South India. Kuchipudi derives it’s name from the Kuchipudi village of Andra Pradesh. In the 17th century the Kuchipudi village was presented to the Brahmins, who were experts in staging dance and drama. Kuchipudi exhibits scenes from the Hindu Epics, legends, and mythological tales through a combination of music, dance and acting. It follows three performances namely “Nritta” (Nirutham), “Nritya” (Niruthiyam), and “Natya” (Natyam) mentioned in “Natya Shasta” and followed by all major Indian classical dance forms. “Nritta” is a technical performance where the dancer presents pure dance movements giving stress on speed, form, pattern, range, and rhythmic aspects without any form of enactment or interpretive aspects. In Nritya the dancers-actors communicates a story, spiritual themes particularly on Lord Krishna through expressive gestures and slower body movements harmonized with musical notes thus engrossing the audience with the emotions and themes of the act. “Natyam” is usually performed by a group or in sone cars by a solo dancer who maintains certain body movements fir specific characters of the play which is communicated through dance acting.