Question

Write a short note on the ancient dance of Kuchipud​

Answer 1

Explanation:

Kuchipudi is a dance-drama performance, with its roots in the ancient Hindu Sanskrit text of Natya Shastra. It developed as a religious art linked to traveling bards, temples and spiritual beliefs, like all major classicaldances of India. The Kuchipudiperformance usually begins with an invocation.

Answer 2

Kuchipudi an established dance form originated in Andhra Pradesh. This classical dance is named after a village Kuchelapuram, 65 Kms from Vijaywada in Andhra Pradesh and became popular due to the patronage of the Brahmins practicing it.

Kuchipudi is known for its impressive, quick footwork, dramatic characterization, expressive eye movements and spirited narrative. It is a blend of tandava and lasya elements. A distinctive feature of this dance is the execution on a brass plate and moving the plate to the accompaniment of carnatic music. The Kuchipudi performer apart from being a dancer and actor has to be skilled in Sanskrit and Telugu languages, music and manuscripts of the performance.

It takes at least seven to ten years to master this art form. There were two parallel dance forms Nattuva Mela and Natya Mela. The former developed into Bharathanatyam and Natya Mela into Kuchipudi – usually performed by both women and men in conjunction.

The Kuchipudi is a dance-drama of Nritta, Nritya and Natya. The Nritta consists of Theermanams and Jatis, the Nritya of Sabdams, and the Natya of acting with Mudras (hand gestures) for the songs. Nritta encompasses steps and movements in the form of patterns of dance which, though beautiful, have no meaning to convey. While fast becoming a solo presentation, Kuchipudi still has strong ties to the dance-drama tradition. It combines the elements of speech, mime and pure dance.