Kuchipudi, a Natyashastra unbiased

Girls after Indian classical dance forms show one thing. Awareness towards physical fitness has got a new dimension. They learn yoga, and then it’s Kuchipudi in their bucket list too. Feather light  ornaments add to the craze. Why is it a deep dance-drama? No wonder that Kuchipudi draws in men and women on an even scale. An unbiased Natyashastra, it’s Kuchipudi that serves more of a therapy.

Deccan plateau has its perks

Swift movements delivered with dialogues; playing Hindu epics with a set of characters appearing on stage. If Bharata Muni restricted South Indian dance form to Sadir Natyam, it’s Siddhendra Yogi, who lifted it up to a real classical dance form. Though it started as an identity of Brahmans in Andhra Pradesh, Thandava, Nrutha Hastha, Lasya, Abhinaya, Chari and Karana took its grace amidst other communities.

If Bharatnatyam started with devdasi culture, Kuchipudi had its start in caste system. Siddhendra didn’t pioneer taking it to the rest of the people doomed from embracing classical art forms.

It’s all about enacting Indian epics added with drama, which is not restricted to feminism. It has vigor, sensuality, and name it anything, it’s meant to take an individual through every phase and the minute emotions hidden within.

Was once a male classical dance form

Sometimes, highly gifted artists become the source of myth. The 16^th century yogi restricted the lively dance form to boys (brahman) solely due to one fear. He was quite judgmental that women might exaggerate its flow with their bhava.

However, things started taking abrupt twists and turns, when Kuchipudi crossed the borders of the small time village.

Out of passion, but a therapeutic swell too!

Not just the curves taken into account. Indian classical dance form has its privileges like that of Western classical dance forms. Little girls show striking improvement in terms of cognitive and personality development.

(Pictures courtesy: tumblr)