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Dances
Kuchipudi - Past and Future
by Shobha Natrajan
 Ancient
literary works like the Natya Sastra, Gathasaptasati,
and
Nritta Ratnavali trace the history of dance styles prevalent
in the Andhra region. Like Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh also had classical
dance styles which were performed by dancers attached to temples and
royal courts. These were
distinct from folk dances like the Perani and
Prenkhani,
which were performed in open arenas.
In
the 15th century, a saint called Siddhendra Yogi,
codified the movements and enriched the repertoire of the Kuchipudi
dance form, which was named after Kuchelapuram - the village of its
origin. Entire families in
this village dedicated themselves to learning and performing this dance,
although it is interesting to note that it was practiced solely by men. They formed troupes and traveled to neighboring villages,
performing plays that had underlying moral and religious themes.
 While
its close cousin, Bharatanatyam achieved recognition and international
fame, Kuchipudi was lagging behind and was confined to its village
setting. In the forties, a
few teachers ventured into big cities like Madras and Hyderabad, and
started training female students as well as directing dance sequences
for the cinema. New dance
pieces were added to the existing repertoire and soon Kuchipudi gained
popularity. It is now
considered one of the six major dance styles of India. Some of the front-ranking dancers are Yamini Krishnamurthi,
Swapnasundari, Raja and Radha Reddy, and Sobha Naidu.
The
technique of Kuchipudi closely follows the tenets laid down in the Natya
Shastra. There is some mingling of the folk idiom, which makes it
highly appealing to a wide spectrum of viewers. The training takes about
four to seven years, and includes two sets of adugulu or basic
steps, the jatis or combination of movements, and a detailed
study of the Natyashashtra (theoretical aspects of
dance).
The
student then goes on to learn the individual numbers like Poorvarangam (worship and preparation of the stage), Swarajathis
and Tillanas (pure dance items), Sabdams, Tarangams
and Keertanams
(combination of pure and expressional dance), and finally Padams,
Javalis and Slokams (mime only). The highlight of Kuchipudi is the thrilling dance on the rims of
a brass plate. This item is
sometimes made even more challenging by performing it while balancing a
pot of water on the head or holding lamps in each hand.
 The
charm of Kuchipudi lies in its fast and intricate footwork, sinuous
grace, and the use of the eyes to express moods and feelings. While fast becoming a solo presentation, Kuchipudi still has
strong ties to the dance-drama tradition. Audiences in the United States have greatly enjoyed dance-dramas
like Srinivasa Kalyanam, Rukmini Kalyanam, Sakuntalam,
Hara Vilasam, Ardhanareeswaram and others performed by
my renowned guru, Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam and his troupe.
Kuchipudi
music is based on the Carnatic system of Indian music and the
orchestra consists of the Nattuvanar (conductor) with his
hand-held cymbals, the vocalist, mridangam (drum), violin, flute
and veena (a stringed instrument).
Having
performed Kuchipudi in several parts of the world, I find that it always
makes a direct and immediate impact on audiences. Through performances, classes, collaborative stage ventures, and
research, I hope to do my share in helping Kuchipudi get wider exposure
on the world dance map. The
responsibility now rests on the younger generation of Kuchipudi dancers
to take this art form to a new higher level.
September 2, 2001
About Shoba Natrajan
A consummate artist, hoba Natarajan has the unique distinction of
acclaimed excellence in two classical dance styles of India -
Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. Shoba has played an active and important
role in popularizing Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam around the world. In
addition to many prestigious performances all over India, Shoba has
toured the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia. She had the rare
privilege of being the first Kuchipudi dancer to tour the former Soviet
Union.
"A true daughter of her nation, the music and dance of her country
are in her blood and that's why the language of her dance is so striking
and impressive ... we had a meeting with high, genuine art." - Georgia
(USSR) Times.
Shoba's delineation of the
two styles is characterized by meticulous adherence to their diverse
traditions. Her dance is distinguished for its exquisite abhinaya
(mime), flawless sense of rhythm, refined technique, and impeccable
grace. Her performances are unforgettable for their spiritual depth,
emotional range, sensitivity, and classical purity.
Her work and accomplishments
have led to numerous honors, dance awards, grants, and fellowships.
These include the prestigious "Artists Fellowship" from the Illinois
Arts Council, Chicago for the year 2000. Shoba is the founder and
artistic director of Samskriti Foundation, an academy of dance, music,
yoga, and allied arts in Chicago, IL.
Contact information:
Shoba Natarajan
3463 Parliament Lane
Naperville, IL 60564 (USA).
Phone: (630) 527-1498
Email: shoba@aol.com
Web: www.samskriti.com
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