Kuchipudi

The Kuchipudi was originated from the place named ‘Kuchipudi’ in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh around 3rd century BCE, Kuchipudi Dance form is a long-established dance-drama style.

Tirtha Narayana Yati and his disciple Siddhendra Yogi organized and founded the modern version of Kuchipudi which we see today. Kuchipudi gradually developed as a solo dance form and today we can see both male and female performing it. Kuchipudi are themes related to Vaishnavism, Lord Krishna, Rukmini, Satyabhama and other myths. Kuchipudi also holds certain specialties of Bharatnatyam and Odissi as well.

Kuchipudi vs Bharatanatyam

• Bharatnatyam costume has three fans of dissimilar lengths. While Kuchipudi dress has only one frill/fan lengthier than the lengthiest fan in the former.
• In Bharatnatyam, there is no side Pallu but in Kuchipudi separate pallu is stitched seen on the left side.
• Two buns are used in Kuchipudi while only one in Bharatnatyam.

The repertoire of Kuchipudi

• The repertoire of Kuchipudi is similar to that of Bharatanatyam:
• Kuchipudi has a specialty called- ‘Tarangam’ in which the dancer performs on the top of the brass plates.
• And sometimes balances some pot on the head. This makes the dance form extremely unique.

The costume and makeup of  Kuchipudi

• The makeup is similar to that of Bharatnatnatyam.
•  A dancer in a female role would wear a Sari with light makeup. Today the stitched costume is available.
• The traditional Kuchipudi was performed by all males and their attire was quite simple ‘Angivastra’also known as Bagalbandi and a dhoti.

The music and instruments used for the Kuchipudi dance

• Based on Carnatic music the language is usually Telugu.
• Mridangam, cymbals, veena, flute and Tambura.

The famous dancers in Kuchipudi

1. Raja-Radha Reddy.
2. Yamini Reddy.
3. Vaijayanti Kashi.
4. Uma Rama Rao etc.