Kolannalu

This article is about the kolattam dance of Andhra Pradesh. For the kolattam dance of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, see Kummi.

Description

Kolannalu or kolkolannalu (also named kolattam), 'stick dance', is one of the most popular dance narratives in Andhra Pradesh. It's a rural art usually performed during village festivals. It is a combination of rhythmic movements, songs and music. The Kolattam group comprises dancers ranging from 8 to 40 where they are grouped in pairs. The sticks provides the main rhythm. The dancers are led by the leader and move about in two circles. The inner circle receive the strikes on their sticks from the artists in the outer circle that deliver them. Kolattam is also called Kolanna in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh state.