Dhi Art Studio at their gallery in Ameerpet, an interactive space for diverse artistic engagements, arranged an evening Kuchipudi recital on the weekend. The intimate space hosting the presentation with paintings and other art as a backdrop was a delightful experience for the viewers. Vyshnavi Korlakunta and Medha Srigiri, young and talented artistes, engaged the audience’s rapt interest in a series of pieces titled “Kuchipudi Carousel.
” The idea was to bring conversations of art to the common public. The program was directed by Bhargavi Gundala and curated by Srilagna. Kuchipudi, which started out as a dance drama theatre form, has evolved into a solo performing art to meet the wants and needs of the times, patrons, and spectators.
Vyshnavi demonstrated pieces from the dance drama repertoire, reflecting her focused training in that area, while Medha, having learned Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam’s style of Kuchipudi, performed items suitable for solos. The aharya was not the usual elaborate attire but lighter material of amber orange interspersed with green and gold, and sky blue with a silver border respectively, which suited the informal ambiance.
Jewellery was also suitably toned down to match. Though less than is the norm, it sparkled and coruscated with exceptional beauty due to the care taken in choosing the pieces. To begin with, as Medha danced with elan, Vyshnavi recited the Naandi Stuti.
These verses from the Natya Sastra are part of the traditional Poorvaranga .