The postures and movements in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi have a significant impact on the design of the costumes. Bharatanatyam postures are adapted from sculptures and are elegant, graceful, soft, and clear. The costume of Bharatanatyam is designed to harmonize with the dance and not hinder the movements of the dancer. The costume consists of a cloth specially stitched in pleats that falls in the front from the waist, and when the dancer performs spectacular movements, the pleats open up like a lotus in bloom. The jewelry, makeup, and accessories complement the costume and add to the overall aesthetic appeal of the performance.
On the other hand, Kuchipudi postures are brisk, flat-footed, dazzling, and almost give curved round poses. The costume of Kuchipudi is also designed to harmonize with the dance and not hinder the movements of the dancer. The costume consists of a dhoti, a long scarf, and a short-sleeved blouse. The jewelry, makeup, and accessories complement the costume and add to the overall aesthetic appeal of the performance.
The costumes of both dance forms show delicate distinctions. The attire of Bharatanatyam is comprised of three fans in various heights. These three fans give the looks of scattered pleated saree in certain poses. The attire of Kuchipudi consists of just one fan, but it will be lengthier than the Bharatanatyam costume. The Bharatanatyam costume is usually made of silk, with intricate designs and patterns that add to the overall aesthetic appeal of the performance. The style of dressing of a Bharatanatyam dancer is more or less similar to that of a Tamil Hindu bride. The makeup of a Bharatanatyam dancer is usually heavy, with bold colors and intricate designs.
In conclusion, the postures and movements in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi have a significant impact on the design of the costumes. The costumes of both dance forms are designed to harmonize with the dance and not hinder the movements of the dancer. The costumes of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi show delicate distinctions, reflecting the cultural heritage of the dance forms. The jewelry, makeup, and accessories complement the costumes and add to the overall aesthetic appeal of the performance.