Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dance dress

Both Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam are originated from southern states of India. Kuchipudi is the traditional Indian classical dance of Andhra Pradesh whereas the classical dance Bharatnatyam is originated from Tamilnadu. Bharatanatyam was formed from the ancient art of Cathir which were revived in the 19th century. Cathir was the traditional performing art of the temple dancers (Devadasi) portraying ancient dance forms. Kuchipudi as a classical dance form achieved excellence during the rule of Abul Hasan Qutb Shah of the Golconda Dynasty. The King was very much impressed with this dance form and he gave 600 acres of land to the Kuchipudi Brahmins for the grand presenting of this art form.

Cathir and Bharatnatyam are dance forms primarily inspired by the sculptures of Chidambaram Temple. The name Bharatnatyam denotes BHAvam, RAgam and TAlam. BHAvam means expression, RAgam means Music, TAlam means Rhythm and Natyam meaning dance.

Bharatnatyam is known for its elegance, grace, softness, clarity and sculptured poses. On the other hand, most of the poses in Kuchipudi are brisk, flat-footed, dazzling and overall curved having more rounded poses.

Bharatanatyam Dance dress
The commonly used styles in Bharatanatyam Costumes are the the Skirt (Saree) Style or the Pyjama Style with two or three fans. Dancers wear costumes made of silk sarees with gold kasavu (zari) designs. The pleats in these costumes, which are known as fans, opens beautifully when the dancer forms a particular posture ara-mandi (half sitting) and muzhu-mandi (full sitting). Since the real Silk saree costumes are very expensive, art silk material is also used for making the dress. Art Silk material looks like real silk but is not as delicate as the real silk fabrick. The artificial Silk is a mix of synthetic silk and real silk.

Kuchipudi Dance Costumes
There is not much of a difference between Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi costumes. The cross pleats and the Katcham that comes at the back are the main differences in the Kuchipudi costume.

In short:

1)Bharatnatyam - Classical dance from Tamil Nadu and Kuchipudi - classical dance from Andhra Pradesh.

2)Bharatnatyam represents and brings out inner fire within the human body wheras Kuchipudi expresses mankinds desire to unite with God.

3)The Bharatnatyam costumes have two/three fans of different lengths, the Kuchipudi dresses have a single fan.