Kuchipudi
Shishyas and gurus were Kuchipudi Brahmins like Lakshmi Narayan Shastri and Chinta Krishna Murti who excelled in roles like Satyabhama in Bhamakalapam; later gurus include Vedantam Chinna Satyam. Today both group performances and solo performances are popular but experimentation is always being done with the choreography.
Vilasini Natyam
Vilasini Natyam is a dance tradition of devadasis in Andhra Pradesh. It faced near-extinct after the anti-deva dasi act and fortunately revived by few remaining dancers. It is yet to receive Indian Classical Dance status.
Andhra Natyam
Andhra Natyam is a classical dance form originating from the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. This traditional dance form, having a history of 2000 years was lost in the Mughal and British era, and was revived in the 20th century.
Burrakatha
Burrakatha is the new name (twentieth century) for the theatre known as Jangam Katha. The jangams were wandering Shiva worshippers.
Burra refers to the tambura, a musical instrument played by the main storyteller. The main performer narrates a story, plays music, and dances to it.The co-performers play drums and address him constantly and enrich certain events in the story with their short sentences. It is one of janapada Kalalau.
Veeranaatyam
A very old form of dance in the state of Andhra Pradesh that has a lot of religious significance attached to it; is Veeranatyam. This fascinating kind of dance form is also known as Veerangam and Veerabhadra Nrityam. The term ‘Veera’ literally means brave. Thus as the name of the dance form suggests it is the dance of the brave.
The illustration of Veeranatyam is found in Hindu Mythology. Once Lord Shiva’s wife, Sati Devi was humiliated at a function. This made the Shiva-the God of destruction, furious. Lord Shiva, outraged at the humiliation met by his consort, Lord Shiva picked a relic out of His hair or ‘Jatajuta’, which created Veerabhadra. He is believed to have portrayed His extreme anger by performing a vigorous dance; thus justifying the name Veeranatynam. It was the dance of ‘Pranayam’ or Destruction.
Butta bommalu
A typical folk dance form, popular in Tanuku of West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, Butta Bommalu which literally means basket toys are made of wood-husk, dry grass and cow dung. Each dancer wears a different mask over the head and shoulders enlarging the scope of the performer and dances to a non-verbal rhythm which adds color to the movements.
Tholu bommalaata
Tholu bommalata is a form of puppetry which originated in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It mainly depicts episodes from the epics. Puppets are large, with a jointed waist, shoulders, elbows, and knees. The classical music of the region influences the music played in the show.
Dappu
Made of goatskin, a tambourine-like the drum is beaten with sticks creating a rhythm that is softened only by the ankle bells that the 16 to 20 dancers wear. Part of a Telangana custom which sees the Dappu dancers at the front of any procession, whether it be for jatakas, festivals, or marriages, this is truly a celebration of the percussive powers of dance. This lively art form hails from Nizamabad District. The performers wear colorful make-up and even more colorful costumes dance to the musical patterns set by cymbals, tabla and a harmonium. Mythological themes are usually enacted and the audience is rural. It is one of janapada Kalalau.
Tappeta Gullu
Popular in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram Districts, this is a devotional dance that invokes the Rain God with its vigor, rhythm, and tempo. Also performed during festivals, the dance sees 15 to 20 vibrant artists with drums around their necks creating mesmerizing beats and heart-stopping acrobatics
Lambaadi
Associated with daily tasks harvesting, planting, sowing, etc., the Lambadi is performed by the Banjaras, a semi-nomadic tribe seen all over Andhra Pradesh. Costumes embroidered with glass beads and mirrors, ornate jewelry, ivory bangles, brass anklets, and a natural rhythm make this dance a colorful exposition of joy which is the highlight of many a festive occasion
Dhimsa
Ahimsa dance is a dance of young and old, men and women of Valmiki, Bogata, Khond, and Kotia tribes living in the enchanting Araku Valley in the hilly tracts of Vishakhapatnam district. A monthly magazine is published by the name of Dhimsa in [Telugu language] Tribals dance during the months of Chaitra i.e. March and April, on weddings and other festivities. During the festivals dancers of one village visit the other to participate in the dance and join the community feast. Such dances are known as "Sankidi Kelbar". The unique feature of Dhimsa dance is that it canalizes friendship and fraternity between the people of different villages. This being traditionally a tribal dance, the women folk attired in typical tribal dress and ornaments dance in the group to the tune of Mori, Kiridi, Tudumu, Dappu, and Jodukommulu.
Kolatam
'Kolatam', or the stick dance, is one of the most popular dance narratives in Andhra Pradesh. It is also called Kolannalu or Kolkolannalu. A rural art usually performed during village festivals, kolatam is a combination of rhythmic movements, songs, and music. It is known as Dandia ras in Gujarat, Garbha in Rajasthan, etc. The Kolatam group comprises dancers in the range of 8 to 40. In kolatam, performed by 8 to 40 artists grouped in pairs, The stick provides the main rhythm. The artists led by the leader move into two circles, the inner circle receiving the strikes while the outer circle delivering them. Kolatam offers a great variety of entertainment to the spectators as well as the participants.
Kolatam is also called Kolanna in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh state.