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Kuchipudi
This dance of Andhra Pradesh, which originates from
Kuchelapuram in Andhra Pradesh, is the corresponding style
of the Bhagvata Mela Nataka of Tamil Nadu. Except that the
emphasis is on the animation, the grammar is derived from
the Natya Shastra. Each principal character in Kuchipudi
dance introduces himself or herself on the stage with a
brief composition of dance and song, specially designed
for the character to help reveal his or her identity and
show the performers` skill in the art. These compositions
are called dharu, and there are nearly 80 dharus or dance
sequences in the dance drama. The most popular dance is
the pot dance, where the dancer keeps a pot on her head
and on the rims of a steel plate places her feet. She
moves on the stage manipulating the brass plate without
spilling a drop of water on the ground. The music in
Kuchipudi is classical Karnatic. The mridanga, violin and
clarinet are the common instruments employed as an
accompanient.
 Mohiniyattam
This dance form too belongs to the Devadasi dance
heritage, like Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Odissi. The
word `mohini` literally means the `maiden who steals the
hearts of men`. It is believed that Lord Vishnu took the
guise of a `Mohini` to enthrall people, during the
churning of the ocean as well as the slaying of Bhasmasura.
Thus, the Vaishnava devotees gave the name `Mohiniyattam`
to this dance form. It is a solo dance which is similar to
Bharatanatyam, its movements are graceful like Odissi and
the costumes are attractive but sober. The first reference
of solo dance is found in the `Vyavaharamala`, composed in
the 16th Century. The dance is very popular in Kerala.
Yakshagana
 The origin of this can be traced to the rural areas of
Karnataka. It is about 400 years old and is a blend of
dance as well as drama. The language used for the `Gana`
meaning `music` is Kannada and the themes are based on
Hindu epics. The costumes are almost akin to the Kathakali
dance costumes and the style too seems to have drawn
inspiration from it. As prescribed in the Natya Shastra,
it has the Sutra Dhara (conductor) and the Vidhushaka (the
jester). |
