Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi are two of the most popular classical dance forms of India, each with its unique style, technique, and costume. While both dance forms share some similarities, they also have some distinctive differences, especially in their costumes.
Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form of Tamil Nadu, while Kuchipudi is a classical dance form of Andhra Pradesh. 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 costume 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 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 includes a headpiece, earrings, necklaces, bangles, and anklets, made of gold, silver, or other metals and is often studded with precious stones. The makeup of a Bharatanatyam dancer is usually heavy, with bold colors and intricate designs.
On the other hand, the Kuchipudi costume is made of cotton, with minimal designs and patterns. The costume is usually white, with a border of gold or other colors. The style of dressing of a Kuchipudi dancer is more or less similar to that of a traditional Andhra woman. The costume consists of a dhoti, a long scarf, and a short-sleeved blouse. The jewelry includes a headpiece, earrings, necklaces, bangles, and anklets, made of gold or other metals. The makeup of a Kuchipudi dancer is usually light, with minimal colors and designs.
In conclusion, the costumes of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi are distinctive and reflect the cultural heritage of the dance forms. While the Bharatanatyam costume is made of silk, with intricate designs and patterns, the Kuchipudi costume is made of cotton, with minimal designs and patterns. The style of dressing of a Bharatanatyam dancer is more or less similar to that of a Tamil Hindu bride, while the style of dressing of a Kuchipudi dancer is more or less similar to that of a traditional Andhra woman. The jewelry, makeup, and accessories complement the costumes and add to the overall aesthetic appeal of the performance. The art of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi is enhanced through the clothing, and costumes are designed to harmonize with the dance and not hinder the movements of the dancer.