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Dappu Nrityam is one of the important dance
forms in Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh. This dance form got its name
from the sound produced by a simple percussion instrument, a
tambourine-like drum called 'Dappu'. It contains a circular wooden frame
usually, made of neem wood. Fitted into the wooden frame is the skin of a
he-buffalo or goat. It is called "palaka" in costal
Andhra and
Guntur.
The
costumes worn by dancers constitute of a 'Talapaga' or a head turban,
'dhoti', a 'datti' and ankle bells. The performance starts with an
invocation called "Pradhana Dappu" when the dancers move slowly
in a circular way.
The performances vary depending on the type of 'Adugus' or steps. One can
see dappu dancers in front of any procession, whether it is in 'Jataras',
festivals or marriages.