Folk Dances of Andhra Pradesh

Folk Dances of Andhra Pradesh

Dhimsa
Dhimsa is one of the folk dances in Andhra Pradesh. It is performed by the tribal groups who live in Araku Valley. Dhimsa dancers perform during the festival seasons, village fairs and marriage ceremonies. They travel from one village to another to give the Dhimsa performance. There are eight different categories in the Dhimsa dance. They are Boda Dhimsa, Gundevi Dhimsa, Goodi Beta Dhimsa, Potara-tola Dhimsa, Bhag DHimsa, Natikari Dhimsa, Kunda DHimsa, and Baya Dhimsa. Natikari DHimsa is the only dance that is not performed in a group. Musicians accompanied the dancers. Musical instruments like Mori, Kiridi, TUduma, Dappu and Kommulu were used during the performance.

Gusadi

Raj Gonds of Adilabad performed this dance. Especially Raj Gonds celebrate Deepavali with great pomp by dancing Gusadi. The dancers decorate themselves with peacock feathers and deer horns etc. They wear colourful costumes to bring extra attraction to the dance. Dappu, Tuduma, Pipri and Kalikom are the musical instruments used during the dance performance.

Lambadi

Lambadi, a semi-nomadic tribe in Andhra Pradesh, performed this dance. These dance themes are inspired by the movements associated with daily tasks like harvesting, planting and sowing. The dancers wear various costumes embroidered with glass beads and shining discs. The dancers perform the dance during Dussehra, Deepavali and Holi festivals. The patrons or the people pay money to the dancers.

Sadir Natyam

This dance belonged to the ancient period. This solo dance form was performed for centuries by the devadasis. The dancers performed this dance in the temples and in the royal courts. Women play a vital role in the proms, and the kings support the dancers by paying gifts and money. This dance is famous in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu.

Kuravanji

This is a group dance. Women only performed this dance. The dancing themes are interpreting literary or poetic compositions typically on the piece of the fulfilment of the love of a girl for her beloved.