Andhra Natyam is a classical dance form from Andhra Pradesh, a state in South India. This traditional dance form orginated as a temple dance dating back to as early as 2,000 years. It is a dance form that got lost in the Mughal period and the British days, but somehow came to be revived in the 20th century.
It is derived from a number of dance forms and has strong similarities to Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam, including the older dance styles lie Dasiattam, Kacheriattam and Chinnamelam. Besides temple dancing, court dances by courtesans known as kalavantulu and open-air performances for the public, known as kalapam are also included under the category of Andhra Natyam.
It is a dance performed essentially by female dancers and is characterised by a rich display of foot work and superior abhinaya. Unlike the original version, the present Andhra natyam is performed in stylish costumes, bold make-up,bright ornaments and to the an accompaniment of an orchestra. The musical instruments used as accompaniment include the mridangam, manjira, veena, the violin, venu, tanpura,surpeti and the kanjira.
