Nrithyakshetra “Temple of Dance” St. Louis Chapter is an off shoot of the institution administered by Smitha Rajan’s mother Guru Sreedevi Rajan at Kochi Kerala, India. The school runs from February to September every year and concludes with an annual celebration with eligible students. The three styles of Indian Classical Dances which are taught here are Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi.
Mohiniyattam, the classical dance form from the state of Kerala, India is characterized by very soft, flowing and gentle movements in which one can see uninterrupted circular and semi circular continuous movements and it gives significance to facial expressions. The costume is only white or off-white with golden border and golden jewelry.
Bharatanatyam, the classical dance form from the state of Tamil Nadu, India has relatively fast and brisk movements, rigorous foot work and more clear lines in the overall postures with equal importance for facial expressions and pure dance. A Bharatanatyam dancer wears colorful costumes and jewelry.
Kuchipudi, the classical dance form from the state of Andhra Pradesh is one such unique form of Art with the tasteful blend of grace and vigor and with its roots buried in the soil of Andhra Pradesh in India. Kuchipudi was born in a remote Village from which it derived its name. The costume and jewelry resembles that of a Bharatanatyam dancer
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