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Andhra Pradesh has always been known for its rich culture. This wonderful state has presented a wide range of performing arts, including dance, drama and music, to the world. Dance is the most interesting form of performing arts that has been encouraged from centuries in India. Kuchipudi, the renowned classical dance has emerged from Andhra Pradesh. One amongst the best dances in the world, Kuchipudi is quite similar to the dance form of Bharat Natyam. Besides Kuchipudi, there are many other dances and styles that have been originated in the state. Perini is an excellent form of dance, which also flourished here. This warrior dance is the dance of Lord Shiva. Here is given brief information about the various folk dances of Andhra Pradesh.

Kuchipudi
Kuchipudi is an eminent dance form that originated in Andhra Pradesh. Kuchipudi is not only a dance, but a fine amalgamation of dance, gestures, speech and song. A Kuchipudi dancer is required to be well versed in dancing, acting, music, various languages and texts. In the 17th century, Siddhendra Yogi started this dance during the 'bhakti' movement.

Bhamakalpam
Originated from Kuchipudi, Bhamakalpam is both a dance and a drama. Siddhendra Yogi created this devotional dance form in the 17th century. Bhamakalpam is a fine specimen of the feminine movements in dance (lasya), contrasting the masculine movements (tandava) of Kathakali and Yakshagana.

Burrakatha
Burrakatha is a special folk dance of the state. Earlier known as Jangam Katha, it observes tales from the Indian Mythology. In the performance, the main artist narrates a story, plays music and dance on the tunes. The co-artists beat drums and speak to him, enriching certain events in the story.

Veeranatyam
Veeranatyam refers to the dance of Lord Shiva that was performed when the Lord got enraged with Sati's death and humiliation. Veeranatyam is also known as the Dance of Destruction. This dance is still practiced by people of Veeramusti community, who claim to be descendants of Veerabhadra.

Butta Bommalu
Butta Bommalu is a typical folk dance, popular in Tanuku region of West Godavari District in AP. In this particular dance, the dancers wear masks of different characters and entertain people with their delicate movements, accompanied by non verbal music.

Dappu
Dappu is a lively dance form that started in Nizamabad District. The dancers wear colorful dresses and dance to the musical tunes of cymbals, tabla and harmonium. In Dappu, the themes are usually based on the mythological stories.

Tappeta Gullu
It is a devotional dance, which is popular in districts of Srikakulam and Vizianagaram. Tappeta Gullu is a dance that has vigor, rhythm and tempo and is performed to invoke the Rain

God. In this dance form, the artists hang drums around their necks and produce beats with movements.

Lambadi
Associated with Lambadi tribe, Lambadi dance is performed to celebrate a loaded harvest or a good sowing season. The dancers adorn themselves with heavy jewelry, like ivory bangles, brass anklets, ornate jewelry and costumes embroidered with glass beads.

Bonalu
Bonalu is a special dance wherein the female dancers step to the rhythmic beats and balance pots on their heads. This dance is performed to praise Mahankali, the village deity. Potharajus, the male dancers, precede the female dancers to the temple.

Dhimsa
In the hilly region of Vishakhapatam district, Dhimsa dance is performed by people of every age group. This is a tribal dance that is performed during the months of Chaitra (March/April). To perform this dance, the artists dress in typical tribal dresses and ornaments.

Kolattam
Kolattam is the stick dance, which is quite similar to the Dandia dance of Gujarat. Also called as Kolannalu or Kolkolannalu, this dance is usually performed during the festivals of village. Kolattam observes a great combination of rhythmic movements, songs and music.
 

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