Department of Kuchipudi

Master of Arts in Kuchipudi Dance​

Duration: Two-year program (2 semesters per year)

Required Hours: A total of 30 credit units.
Required Units: A total of 10 courses (7 core mandatory and 3 electives)

This program does not require internship or externship.

The Master of Arts in Kuchipudi dance program prepares the student to be a scholar-practitioner of Kuchipudi dance with mastery of the form in the context of a general knowledge of the study of Indian dances from multiple perspectives. The program includes cross-disciplinary and critical inquiry approaches and encourages cross-disciplinary work. It explores the interrelated themes of performance, gender, selfhood, and physical and psychic transformation. Students delve into concepts of socio-political history and power while exploring the indigenous and Sanskrit texts on dance in written and oral forms. Theories of embodiment and experience are studied on the canvas of grounded aesthetics, politics, economy, and the time-tested alankara sastras as they continue to inform the reshaping of the dance form through nationalism, transnationalism, and globalization.
This program in Kuchipudi dance leads the student toward gaining nuanced expertise and proficiency in performing this art through practice and theory. Awareness of globalization opens possibilities for intercultural and interdisciplinary work for the students, facilitating an informed understanding of the milieu that they are part of. Their knowledge of the art’s relevance to modern society will prepare them to apply for grants and make the art economically viable for them.

Admission Requirements

  • A Bachelor’s degree from an approved or accredited institution is required.
  • Practical dance experience of at least 6 years, which will be determined by University Faculty screening or assessment.

Seven Core Courses

  • 501: Indian Classical Dances
  • 502: Movement, Meaning and Representation – study of Angika and Sattvikabhinayas with reference to Kuchipudi (Earlier titled Kinesthetics and Psychic components of Kuchipudi)
  • 503: Complexities and Execution of Rhythm
  • 506: Research Methods and Thesis Proposal
  • 507: Master Thesis
  • 508: Practice of Kuchipudi dance as a solo and theatre form (Earlier combined with Choreography)
  • 509 : Choreography

Elective Courses (select 3 out of 4)

  • 601: Music for Dance
  • 602: Literary Composers and Compositions for Kuchipudi (Earlier 504. Now an elective)
  • 603: Components & Dimensions of Abhinaya
  • 604: Textual Traditions of India (Earlier 505. Now an elective)

Evaluation

The evaluation has the following components:

  • Final exams
  • Midterm exams
  • Assignments
  • A Thesis
  • An Oral Defense

Students will be awarded a degree in Master of Arts in Kuchipudi Dance, on their successful completion of all the required courses, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher based on the evaluation weightages across the various methods/metrics.

Tuition Fee

Estimated Program Costs: $6,000.00 including Tuition fee of $5,400.00, Application Fee, Books, Registration Fees, etc.

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