Training
KUCHIPUDI
Kuchipudi hails from Andhra Pradesh, and its origins are traced back to the 7th century and it derives directly from the Natya Shashtra. It was only in the mid-20th century that this dance-drama form came to be practised by female dancers as a solo dance form.
The dance is characterized by Iyricism, dynamism and fluidity of movement, and gives tremendous scope for the display of all three aspects of dance-nritta, nritya and natya.
It is one of the most visually fulfilling of the classical dance forms eschewing the austerity that characterizes Bharatanatyam with the Iyricism and ebullience of Kuchipudi.
SIMHANANDINI
This is an ancient Kuchipudi temple ritual dance where the dancer draws with her feet while dancing, creating pictures of a lion, peacock or lotus on the floor.
KATHAKALI
Kathakali or “story-play” is the classical dance-drama of Kerala in the south-western coast of India.It dates from the 17th century and has its roots in Hindu mythology. It is a unique combination of literature, music, painting , acting and dance, with elaborate mask-like make-up, vivid costumes and employs exaggerated acting.
Usually male actors do female roles but in recent times women have made small forays into this male bastion.
BHARATANATYAM
Bharatanatyam is a classical dance from of South India. It is said to be originated in Tanjavoor of Tamil Nadu and is one of the most popular Indian dances. It is a dynamic and earthy dance style and its antiquity is well established. It has been aptly called a symbol of beauty and aesthetic perfection, and as a tradition it demands total dedication of self from the performer to the art.
KALARIPAYETTU
Kalaripayettu is the fountainhead of all martial art forms. It is a unique blend of mental prowess, physical discipline and the indigenous medical science. The flexibility and balance training methods of kalaripayettu are applied in Kerala dance forms.
