Studying classical dance forms
Subashini Pathmanathan
All the Indian classical dance forms are based on Natya Sastra,
though these dance forms have their own identity based on regional,
religious, social customs, cultural, and linguistic influences of the
states. Here three different South Indian dance forms are taken up for
comparative study.
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No specific theme is found
in Bharata Natyam |
One is Kathakali of Kerala, other is Bharatha Natyam of Tamil Nadu,
and another one is the Kuchupidi of Andhra Pradesh. Kathakali had its
origin in the South West of Kerala; Kuchupidi’s origin in the village of
Kuchupidi. But the origin of place and period of Bharatha Natyam is not
known.
The word Kathakali is literally derived from the word Katha. Katha
means story. Earlier Kathakali was often referred to as Aatta Kathai,
which means drama based dance form. Kathakali has a unique make up and
specific costumes, and uses attractive heavy make up, costumes,
specified ornaments, half facemasks, and kiridams (crown). The costumes
and the make up are adopted according to the role played by the
character. The main theme of Kathakali is based on the well-established
Indian philosophy, where there is a conflict between the evil and the
dharma at the end and dharma eventually triumphs over the evil.
Like most of the classical Indian dance forms, Kathakali also uses a
lot of facial expressions, but expressing the way of facial expressions
is entirely different from Kuchupidi and Bharatha Natyam. In the facial
expressions the use of eye movements, eyebrow movements and muscular
movements of the cheeks, chin and nose are different to a great extent
from the other two classical dance forms of South India. This makes the
dance form more dramatic than the other classical Indian dance forms.
Females were not permitted to take part in Kuchupidi and Kathakali,
but later they were allowed. Yet in Kathakali female participation is
still less. The typical pure dance in Kathakali is called Kalasams; it
includes beautiful graceful movements, combined with elegant expressions
by interpreting the meaning of the verses of the songs in an excellent
manner. Nirtha movements are firm and steady - leg and sitting positions
are divided like Baratha Natyam, and Kuchupidi, but the extent of
separation between the legs is wider than that of the other two.
Foot positions used in Kathakali are different in Bharatha Natyam and
Kucupidi. Jumping positions, vigorous movements, twists and turns are
common, and unique features could be seen only in Kathakali alone.
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Kathakali dance |
However, Kathakali and Kuchupidi are regarded as dramatic dance
forms. In Kuchupidi dialogues take place between the dancer and the
musician. Though Kathakali is a drama based dance form, it never
permitted the characters to speak in between the dance. However, through
beautiful musical compositions are the chosen to portray the scenes.
More or less the same hand muthras (gestures) are used in Kuchupidi,
Bharatha Natyam, and Kathakali to interpret the songs. The basic music
used in all three-dance forms is the Carnatic music. Yet the music used
for Kathakali is especially called as Sopanam. In Kathakali, normally
two vocalists are engaged. Like all other classical dance forms the
cymbals (hand thala) which co-ordinates the dance, dance music and
accompaniments together. Beside this, two specially made thala laya,
instruments are used in Kathakali. These are chenda and maddalam too.
These two instruments are not used in Bharatha Natyam, and Kuchupidi.
Bharatha Natyam and Kuchupidi both have lot of similarities, in the
execution of pure Nirtha (steps or adavus); Nirthya (includes abinayas,
bavas, and rasas) and Natya (story oriented). The pattern of costumes,
facial make up and hairdressings are almost same and common for
Kuchupidi and Bharatha Natyam. Musical base for both are Carnatic music,
but Kuchupidi uses only Telugu songs. However, Bharata Natyam uses
mainly Tamil, Telugu and sometimes-Sanskrit songs and Slogans.
Jetheswaram, Sabtham, and Thillana are some of the common items found in
Kuchupidi and Bharatha Natyam. Tarangam is one of the beautiful and
special items, seen in Kuchupidi.
In this dance, the dancer stands and balances herself on the rim of
the brass plate, and keeps a pot filled with water on her head and
dances according to the thala, and laya. The composition for this
Tarangam is taken from Krishnaleela Tharangani, which depicts the life
of the Krishna. Another special item sometimes seen in Kuchupidi is
Bhama Kalapam. It depicts the love, separation and reunion of
Sathiyabhama with the Krishna.
In Bharatha Natyam, no particular or specific theme based items are
found. However in classical Bharatha Natyam, the items like Andal,
kurathi, Nanthanar kerthanams and Ramayana Keerthanams are often adopted
and used in classical Bhartha Natya recitals, which are story-based
items. Most of the Keerthanams, Padams, Sabthams, Varnams and Thillanas
are descriptive pieces or depicts the imaginary love of the maids
towards different gods.
Numerous theme-based dance dramas are used, but these dance dramas in
real sense cannot be considered as pure classical Bharatha Natyam.
The spiritual theme and aim of Kuchupidi and Bharatha Natyam are the
same. Both these classical dance forms long for salvation. |
