Andhra Natyam is a form of classical dance that originated in the southern part of India, in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. This dance form has a long and rich history of 2000 years, but it got lost during the rule of Mughals and British Empire. But fortunately the dance form came to be revived in the 20th century. However, as a result of strong grammatical and structural resemblance to Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam, this dance form is often considered as a mixture of both.Origin of Andhra Natyam
The Andhra Natyam dance form has been derived from numerous classical dance forms and has close similarities with Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam, including the older dance styles like Dasiattam, Kacherittam, Chinnamelam. It can be said that this dance form actually originated from temples, but it is also performed by courtesans known as Kalavantulu in Telugu, and also in open-air public performances well-known as Kalopam are a part of Andhra Natyam.
About Andhra Natyam
The classical dance of southern India is mainly divided into two major categories. They are Natya Melamu and Nattuva Melamu. While the former is performed by men, the latter is performed solo by women. Dance forms like Mohiniattam, Odissiand Bharatnatyam follow the tradition of Nattuva Melamu tradition. The Kuchipudidance style follows the Natya Melamu tradition.
Nattuva Melamu is a dance style which is greatly performed by the women flocks and is mainly adapted in a classical dance form which is called Andhra Natyam. Though the name sounds to be new, but the history of this dance goes back a long way, and is as old as the Telugu culture itself.
Prior to being called Andhra Natyam, this dance form was referred to as Kelika Darbaru, Kaccheri, Mejuvani etc. Abhinaya and dance were both an integral part of the dance in the ancient times. The main reason for calling it as Andhra Natyam is because it is performed in many temples, king's courts and in local gatherings.For more, visit the link below:
