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).