Andhra Pradesh boasts a vibrant cultural scene. Here, both men and women actively engage in classical dance forms. Traditionally, children in the region begin learning these art forms from a young age. This nurtures a deep appreciation for Andhra’s art and literature. Here are some of the famous dance forms of the state:
List of Folk Dance Styles Of Andhra Pradesh
1. Bhamakalpam Dance
Bhamakalpam originated from Kuchipudi dance. Siddhendra Yogi developed it in the 17th century. This dance centers on Satyabhama, Lord Krishna’s beautiful yet jealous wife. “Bhama,” her original name, combined with “Kalpam,” meaning complaint or jealousy, forms the name. Bhamakalpam, a dance from Andhra Pradesh, highlights feminine movements known as Lasya.
It focuses on delicate hand gestures, body movements, and subtle facial expressions, emphasizing realism in acting. The performance begins with stage rituals, followed by characters introducing themselves through a ‘daru,’ a short song and dance sequence. Artists wear ornaments crafted from a lightweight wood called ‘Boorugu.’
2. Veeranatyam Dance
Veeranatyam originated as a Shaivite temple ritual to honor Lord Shiva, particularly Veerabhadra’s followers. The Veeramusti community from Andhra Pradesh is well-known for performing this dance. Men exclusively perform Natyam or Veerabhadra Natyam.
The performance involves multiple stages:
- Carrying the “Veerabhadra Pallem,” a large plate holding a camphor fire, from palms to elbows. The dance continues vigorously to percussion instruments until the fire is extinguished.
- Holding a consecrated pole marked with sacred ash, resembling Lord Veerabhadra’s flagpole, adorned with bells.
- Dancing with spears and tridents pierced into their ankles, hands, and tongue, known as ‘Narasam’.
3. Dappu Dance
Performers wear colorful knee-length dhotis secured by waist sashes, covered in sacred ash. The main percussion instrument used is the ‘Veeranam’ or ‘war drum’. The Dappu dance gets its name from the rhythmic beats of the ‘Dappu’, a tambourine-like drum used in this traditional art form.
4. Tappeta Gullu Dance
Tappeta Gullu, a folk dance originating from Indian folk cultures, holds ritualistic significance due to its religious roots. Initially performed by shepherds to appease the Rain God, Gangamma, it transformed into a dance drama with religious elements. Originally popular among the Yadavas, it gained popularity among the wider community.
5. Kuchipudi Dance
Kuchipudi, a classical Indian dance style, originated from a rich dance-drama tradition with the same name. It is associated with the village of Kuchipudi in Andhra Pradesh, which is located around 35 km from Vijayawada. The broader dance-drama tradition in Andhra, known as Yakshagaana, encompassed various forms.
In the 17th century, Siddhendra Yogi, a talented Vaishnava poet and visionary, conceived the Kuchipudi style within the Yakshagaana tradition. Guided by his guru Teerthanaaraayana Yogi, who composed the Krishna-Leelatarangini, a Sanskrit literary work, Siddhendra Yogi shaped and formalized this dance style based on his visions and knowledge of the literary tradition.
6. Vilasini Natyam
Vilasini Natyam, an Indian classical dance from Andhra Pradesh, has ancient roots, originally performed by temple dancers called Devadasis to invoke gods and goddesses. This dance tradition had two forms, Bhogam Aata, and Saani Aata, and was performed in courts, public theatres, and temples. Devadasis were considered married to the temple deity.
There are two versions of Vilasini Natyam: Purusha Sampradaayam by men and Stree Sampradaayam by women, known as Swaminis, Vilasinis, Bhoginis, Saanis, Vidya Vilasinis, Bhogams, and Kalavatis.
While Vilasini Natyam’s movements predominantly reflect feminine qualities, its repertoire of over 100 Adavus (dance units) encompasses both Tandava (vigorous) and Lasya (soft) aspects. Renowned for its intricate Abhinaya (expressions), this dance style showcases temple and court dances, forming part of the legacy of female singer-dancers of Telugu origin.
7. Lambadi dance
Lambadi dance, a folk dance belonging to the Banjara community in Andhra Pradesh, traces its origins to Anupu Village. Women primarily dance to seek blessings for a prosperous harvest. While men can participate, the dance’s intricate hand movements and graceful nature make it more suitable for female performers. In some instances, men accompany women on stage, primarily supporting them by playing musical instruments while the women dance.
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