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