The
classical dance form of Kuchipudi uses fast rhythmic footwork and special
body movements. Rendered using hand gestures and elusive facial expression, it
is combined with more realistic acting by the dancers. Another unique dance piece of Kuchipudi is the Tarangam, in which
the performer after narration of the story through abhinaya, dances on the
edges of a brass plate, executing complicated rhythmic patterns with agility,
while sometimes also balancing a pot of water on the head.
The
artist dances on the thambaalam, placing the feet upon the raised edges. The
brass thambaalam is sharp on edges. The plate is available in various sizes
such as 13”,14.5” etc., To check the suitable size the length of the feet shall
fit into the inner circle of the base of the plate. You can also have an eye on
how much it deflects when the entire body weight is on the plate.
Artist
pays namaskaram with the plate, then keep the feet at the inner circle and
slowly slides towards the raised edges both the feet together for a proper
balance while sliding. Next the sharp edge of the plate is being hold between great
toe and 2nd toe. All these are done within the stipulated time
before starting the piece of dance.
Different
movement with the plate: the general move is dragging the plate with both the
feet together forward, back ward and circular, with one feet at a time beating
to the rhythm with the other side stationary, forward, backward or circular,
Extrovert steps such as jumping from edge to inner circle & back to the
rhythm and or with swapping/crossing the feet. All these kinds of movements are
done to perform one or more Jathis.
The
speed of the movement is controlled by the artist based on his or her physical exert
and the friction of the surfaces- the stage & the plate. The rough stages like
cemented gives a better control of the movement due to its high friction
compared to the polished and smooth surfaces such as a marble or wooden stage
where the artist has to be extra cautious to the speed control and less
exertion to be done.
Kuchipudi Dancer Merry performing on Brass Plate
Though
the performance is contributed by the various factors apart from the practice,
the foremost factor is the artist mental rhythm at the juncture
of the performance.
The Kuchipudi
brass plate/ Thambaalam can be bought from the following shops & more:
Rathna Stores,T Ngar,Chennai
Sri Vijaya Stores,Mylapore,Chennai
Nadavaramba Krishna Metal Stores, Thrissur, KeralaSowparnika Dance Costumes, Trivandrum, Kerala
www.Shanthidanceparadise.com
www.amazon.in/brass+plates
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