Andhra Pradesh has various forms of Folk and Tribal dances.
Andhranatyam:
It is a 2000-year old temple dance performed by ‘devadasis’ as a form of worship. ‘Agama Nartanam’, ‘Carnatakam’ and ‘Darbari Aatam’ are different forms of Andhranatyam. During the period of Hinayana Buddhism, this art form was practised as ‘Nruthyam’ or a form of worship to God.
Dappu Dance:
This dance owes its name to the use of ‘dappu’, a percussion instrument.
Kolatam :
‘Kolatam’ or ‘Kol Kolannalu’ is a form of “stick dance” performed by men and women, which can be traced back to 7th century A.D. In the ‘Jada Kolatam’, a group of 16 to 18 dancers weave a plait, while playing on the sticks and making intricate movements.
Mayura Dance :
Mayura Dance is practised by the Kondh tribes during marriages and festivals.
Perini :
‘Perini Thandavam’ is a war dance performed by males. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this dance gained popularity under the rule of the Kakatiyas.
Puli Vesham :
‘Puli Vesham’ or the “Tiger Dance” is a popular folk dance form of Andhra Pradesh, which is performed in open-air during festivals.
Tappetagullu :
Tappetagullu is a festival dance performed dominantly by the ‘Yadava’ men, mainly in the north coastal districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam.
Veer Natyam :
Veer Natyam is performed to worship Veerbhadra. It is commonly performed in Draksharama, which is supposed to be the birthplace of Veerbhadra.