Performing Arts
As the home of rich folk tradition,
Andhra Pradesh offers a variety of performing arts unique to its culture. Kuchipudi, the
famous classical dance takes its name from a village 60 km. away from Vijayawada just
above the delta region of the river Krishna. It was Siddhendra Yogi who developed this
form incorporating a repertoire of religious themes. This dance-drama enactment throbs
with Telugu lyrics, Sanskrit verses and is distinguished from other dance forms which are
interspersed by narratives making it popular and expressive.
'Tholubommalata', a shadow puppetry theatre is a fascinating folk art. Ornamentally
painted leather puppets locally referred to as ‘Tholubommalu’ take the form of
mythological characters from the two renowned epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana. The
inanimate characters are handled with bamboo sticks against a magnificent lamplit
background. Percussion instruments played to an intricate beat and lyrical narration
reflect the aesthetics of this entertaining folk heritage. Tribal dances contribute in
equal measure to the artistic heritage of Andhra Pradesh. The picturesque Araku valley
that lies 112 km. from Visakhapatnam shelters nineteen- odd tribes. Many of their folk
dances bring colour and joy to their religious processions and harvest celebrations.
Dhimsa is one amongst the many colourful dances that present a tribal kaleidoscope in
costume, lyric, style and zest.
Dance Forms of Andhra
Pradesh:
Veeranatyam:
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is the dance of Lord Shiva, who outraged at the humiliation meted out to Sati Devi, his
first wife, picked a relic out of his Jata-Jhuta (hair) and created Veerabadhra.
The Veeramusti community which claims to be the descendents of Veerabadhra, perform this
vigorous dance with instruments like Thambura, Soolam, Dolu, Thasha and Veernam usually at
Draksharamam in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. This place is believed to be
Dakshawatika, the birth place of Veerabhadra.
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Dappu:
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Dappu, a percussion instrument made of goat skin and wood, is a tambourine-like drum which
is when played with sticks creates a rhythm that’s softened only by the sound of
ankle bells that the 16-20 dancers wear. Part of a Telangana custom which sees the Dappu
dancers at the front of any procession, whether it be for Jataras, Festivals or Marriages,
this is truly a celebration of the percussion powers of dance.
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Chindu Bhagawatham:
The dance
of Colours and Costumes. This lively art form hails from Nizamabad district. The
performers in colourful make up and costumes dance to the musical patterns set by Cymbals,
Tabla and Harmonium.
Mythological themes are usually enacted and the audience is mostly rural. The applause is
however universal.
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Tappeta
Gullu:
The dance
of the Rain God. Popular in Srikakulam and Vijayanagaram districts, this is a devotional
dance which invokes the Rain God with its vigour, rhythm and tempo.
Also performed during festivals, the dance sees
15 – 20 vibrant artists with drums around their necks creating mesmerising beats and
heart stopping acrobatics.
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Dhimsa:
| The dance
of the Hill Tribes. Generally performed in the local fairs and festivals in Viskhapatnam
district, this tribal dance form sees 15-20 women forming a chain and dancing in praise of
the local deity. Women attired in typical tribal dresses and ornaments dance to the beats.
Instruments like Mori, Thuduma and Dappu are played by the members.
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