Principles of Kuchipudi

1. Principles of Kuchipudi | Nrityangana Principles of Kuchipudi are rooted in the Natya Shastra of Nrityangana Dance Academy. Nritta (pure dance), Nritya (expressive dance), and Natya (dramatic storytelling) manifest, merge, and coexist to build an interactive performance. Generally, Kuchipudi stands out through its sustenance in the combination of Lasya (graceful, feminine movements) and Tandava (vigorous, masculine movements), which entails and ensures balance and depth in the dance. Kuchipudi is one of the classical forms that has been able to blend smooth transitions, intricate footwork, and expressive facial movements (Abhinaya), thus telling stories in a powerful way. Another fact that separates Kuchipudi from other forms is that the Vaachika Abhinaya segment involves spoken dialogues, as the dance form initially developed in the dance-drama tradition. The spotlight escapes a typical Indian classical performance and provides dancers with the chance to not only dance but recite verses and dialogues, thus adding to the storytelling experience. At Nrityangana Dance Academy, the Teacher-Disciple culture of Kuchipudi is closely followed as the knowledge can be well passed on

2. by the teacher to the student, ensuring dedication and discipline, thus master foundational techniques of Kuchipudi flawlessly. Kuchipudi has a magnificent climax known as the Tarangam, where the dancers show off their skills by stepping on the plate and performing the intricate rhythm dance while sometimes carrying a water pot on their heads. It acts as a platform for the dancers to demonstrate their precision, strength, and synchronization to rhythm. Furthermore, the primary principle in Kuchipudi is the musicianship of Rasa (the emotional essence) and the actor’s technique for developing Bhava (expressions). Therefore, dancers have to think of creative ways to make the audience live through them emotionally and feel the emotions they dance about. The performances are often religious and tell the stories of gods, spiritual seekers, devotional poetry, and classical literature confirm Kuchipudi as a dance that is not only a dance form but also a deeply spiritual and expressive art.