tribal dance
Dhimsa Dance, andhra pradesh
Dhimsa is the most recognized dance of Andhra Pradesh, performed in many versions by 22 different tribes such as Bagata, Valmiki, Porja, Khond, Gadaba, Konda Dora, Mukha Dora, Kotia etc. In a way, it signifies the unity and cultural heritage of those communities and their unchanged traditions. The Pareja community resides in the village of Chompi found in the Araku region of the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. Chompi is famous for Dhimsa, one of the most popular forms of tribal dances from Andhra Pradesh that has been derived from the Koraput district of Odisha.
While performed by the women of the tribe, while men provide the music to the dance. Various themes of the Dhimsa, are woven around their mythologies, folktales, ethos, mores, economic activities and their kinship and marital life etc. one can notice that during the festivals, the hills and valleys reverberate with the melodious songs and music of this Dhimsa. The most jovial occasion for the tribals of the agency area of ASR district is Chaitporob or Vitepanduga. The dance is accompanied by unique instruments like Kirdi, Jodukommulu, Dappu, and Mori, which create a melodious backdrop.
A group of 15-20 women performs the dance, forming a circle and moving in perfect synchronization. The dance is a tribute to the deity for the welfare of their domestic lives, and the women also dance at weddings, praying for a happy and peaceful married life.
The lead dancer often carries with them a peacock feather; the props used are lovely colored earthen pots brightening up the scene. As they move in perfect synchronization, dancers form intricate geometric patterns while the elaborate rhythm of their steps presents a beautiful contrast to the exuberant spirit of the music.
The Dhimsa movements are led through foot and hand movements and gestures. The swift maneuvers of the dance are mesmerizing, almost centipede-like, and togetherness overrides the individual performance of a dancer. There are several types of Dhimsa dance forms: Boda Dhimsa, Gunderi Dhimsa, Goddi-Beta, Pothar-Thola, Bhag-Dhimsa, Kunda Dhimsa and Baya Dhimsa are quite important.
