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Dappu

                     Complementary to the North Indian dance Dandora, Dappu Nrityam is a reputed dance form in the Andhra Pradesh. Dappu is known by different names in various parts of the state—such as Tapetta in the coastal areas and Palaka in Guntur.

Interestingly, this dance form derives its name from the melodiously rhythmic musical instrument Dappu. This is a drum shaped like a tambourine. It creates a rhythm so loud, that it can only be softened by the chime of ankle bells worn by a formation of 15 to 20 dancers. A rounded frame made from the wood and bark of a neem tree is used to make the framework for this popular instrument. The skeleton of Dappu is then covered with the skin of a buffalo or goat. Two sticks are used to beat this drum in order to create that wonderfully sweet music.

Origin of Dappu Dance

                    Unknown to many, this dance form has originated from a small district in Andhra Pradesh called Krishna district vuyyuru and is well-known among the dances in the South. The performers wear colorful and bright costumes accessorized by attractive finery. The dance is usually performed at festivals and other important events. This dance form has evolved through the ages and was once a popular folk dance practiced in the courts of the royalty. Over time, it reached the homes and public venues of the common masses and is now a way of expression—of joy, celebration and revelry connected with weddings and various festivals.

                 Dappu dancers can be seen accompanying all festive processions, jatras and competitions. Showcasing the powers of percussive dancing, Dappu celebrates through lively steps, colorful make up and attractive costumes.

Style of Dance

                      The dance form and its styles are largely dependent on steps chosen by the performers each time. Called the Adugus, these dance steps vary from one district of Andhra Pradesh to another. Citing an example, it is common to see dancers performing the traditional and most original form of Dappu Nrityam in front of convoys connected with marriages, jatra and festivals in Telengana. The dance transforms to a certain degree in other parts of the state due to local influences and adaption to various other folk dances.

                 Dappu is often performed in large groups, when dancers manage to create a soulful and sweet ambience through the melodious notes of their ankle bells. The songs sung during the performance are sometimes erotic and choric. Moving to the beats set by the notes of these songs, the dancers indulge in various pre-defined steps and styles such as Bird Steps, Tiger Steps and Horse steps.

                      As the drummers and Dappu dancers stop to showcase their skills at village centers or at processions, they are cheered on by onlookers and other revelers. They form a circle and dance to the beat of the Dappu on stage and walk in straight rows of two while in procession. The different “adagus” include one forward and one backward (okka sira dappu), side-long moves (ata dappu), moving sin sideway with intermittent leaps (samidika dappu), one legside-way, two leaps upwards (madil dappu), circular way (gundam dappu) and so on.

The titillating music accompanying this dance form is well aligned to match footsteps and dance movements of performers. This makes it a visual treat for all beholders. Some of the common forms of rhythmic movements accompanying this dance form include Chaturasa, Mirsa, Trisra, Khandagati and Sankeema.  All these rhythms are a conglomeration of seventeen different beats and make up an integral part of the dance.

Music in Dappu

             The Dappu instrument has a round framework and it is typically made from the wood of neem tree. The wooden framework is covered with locally toughened leather to make it more durable, stronger and to aid in the emission of striking sounds.The preparation of leather before it is fixed on the Dappu is an elaborate process and requires professional expertise and experience of local musical instrument makers. The “dhup” or the Dappu probably gets its name from the unique sounds that emanate when the instrument is beaten using two sticks that are uniquely created for the instrument. The first stick is called the sire and it’s held in the right hand. It is 2 inches thick and 9 inches long. In the left hand is the sitikena or chitikena pulla. It is almost of the same length but thinner. These sticks succeed in creating a rhythmic beat of unmatched quality. The steps and music of the dance vary depending on the occasion and purpose. For example, the ‘laya’ and ‘debba’ performed at rituals, marriages and village festivals are different from those played at funerals.