Pavankumar Perini

            Pavan Kumar is a promising Indian classical dancer of Perini Shivatandavam, Ardhanaareshwaram and Andhra Natyam, ancient classical dance forms of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. He learnt these dance forms for more than 20 years and exhibits good command over technique as well as abhinaya. He is also well versed with the theory of dance and successfully completed "Diploma in Classical Dance".

            Pavan Kumar started learning Andhra Natyam at a young age of 6, from renowned Andhra Natyam exponent, Guru, Scholar and musicologist, Dr. Nataraja Rama Krishna. Later he learnt Perini Shivatandavam, a male dance form originated and prospered during Kakatiya dynasty. Pavan Kumar is also an exponent of “Ardhanaareeshwara”, a unique classical dance tradition.

            Pavan has performed in various events, festivals across India and abroad. His Perini Shivatandavam and Ardhanaareshwaram performances had won him lot of praise and fame. He also performed in various ballets choreographed / performed by Andhra Natyam and Kuchipudi gurus. Pavan kumar has been working as a dance teacher in various private schools and organisations since 12 years. 

Andhra Natyam

Andhra Natyam is an ancient traditional dance form which originated as a temple dance and dates back to the Buddhist era. This dance form was referred as Kaccheri, Kelika Darbaru, Mejuvani etc. and has 3 distinct styles namely: Aradhana Nrityam (temple dances) Asthana Nrityam (dance in king's courts) and Prabandha Nrityam (dance for common man). Dance and Abhinaya were both used for the sole performances in ancient dances.

This 3000 year old traditional dance form has been revived and renamed as Andhra Natyam by Guru Dr. Nataraja Rama Krishna. The reason for calling it as Andhra Natyam is that these dance forms are mainly performed in many Temples, King's Courts as well as in local community gatherings.

Perini Shivatandavam

Perini Shivatandavam or Perini Thandavam is an ancient dance form from South India which has been revived in recent times. It originated and prospered in Andhra Pradesh during the Kakatiya dynasty. Perini is performed by males and it is believed that in ancient times this was performed before the soldiers set to war. Nataraja Ramakrishna was the person who revived this art form recently.

Perini is a vigorous dance done to the resounding beats of drums. Dancers drive themselves to a state of mental abstraction where they feel the power of Shiva in their body. While dancing they invoke Shiva to come into him and dance through him. The Perini Thandavam is indeed believed to be the most invigorating and intoxicating male dance form.

Ardhanaareshwaram

‘Ardhanareeswaram' concept in Hindu pantheon is a unique understanding of the male-female principle in nature. Like most Puranic lore, it was a hot favorite at one point of time in the world of performing arts. A rather challenging feat to present on stage in the format of classical dance, the ‘Ardhanareeswara' nrityam was essentially performed by men donning a semi male-female costume and make-up with a gossamer scarf pinned into the hair in the front, parting the face into two halves, this singularly distinctive art form was popularly referred to as ‘Pagati vesham'(not derogatory though).