Pavan Kumar is a promising Indian classical dancer of Perini Shivatandavam, Ardhanaareshwaram and Andhra Natyam, ancient classical dance forms of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. 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. Coming from a traditional Brahmin family from remote village in Telangana, it wasnt easy to learn classical dance, especially in a generation where Dance was not a male hobby or learning art. Its for his dedication and grit Pavan shifted to Hyderabad and learnt dane from Guru Nataraja Ramakrishna. Everyday he used to travel long distances to reach the dance school. Guru Nataraja Ramakrishna was impressed with his dedication and skill and took him into his able guidance. Pavan is one of the close disciples of Guru Nataraja Ramakrishna and learnt the 2 dance forms Perini, Andhra Natyam in Guru shishya parampara.
Looking at Pavans progression both in learning and performances, Guru Nataraja Ramakrishna conceptualised a unique dance item Ardhanaareeshwaram perfect combination of male and female principles of life. The concept was given shape and form by Guru Kala Krishna and was taught to Pavan. Pavan started performing this dance form for past 15 years and has won laurels from art lovers, common man all over the world.
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. Currently he is working as Perini dance lecturer in Sri Bhaktha Ramadasu Government College of Music and Dance, Secunderabad. Pavan and his family is now dedicated to dance, his wife is a renowed Kuchipudi dancer. His kids are also learning dance from him. When the family performs on stage its a great visual to watch.
Pavan Kumar. Chegomma
Perini Dance Instructor on contract basis
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 singular distinctive art form was popularly referred to as Pagati vesham'(not derogatory though).
Awards, Honours and Titles
- Received Perini International Appreciation letter from Guru Dr. Nataraja Ramakrishna - 1996
- 1st prize in District Level Dance Competition held in Mothkur, Nalgonda in 1998
- Third place in State Youth Festival held in Hyderabad – 1999
- Golden award at Malaysia International Telugu Cultural Conference - 2006
- BEST YOUTH DANCER AWARD from Abhinaya Nrutya Bharathi Eluru - 2006
- Platinum Medal at the meet held in Birla Science Centre, Hyderabad by Italy University - 2007
- Appreciation letter from Minister of State For Rural Development - 2009
- NATYA KUMARA AWARD at Nataraja Nrutyotsav, All India Male dance Festival held in Vishakapatnam – 2012
- Rated a Grade B artist by Doordharshan, India – 2012
- Received YUVA KALARATHANA AWARD from Sri Sai Manjeera Kuchipudi Art Academy Guntur - 2014
Major Performances in National & International Festivals
- Participated in Telugu Vaibhavam event held in Malaysia and conducted by Department of Culture AP 2006
- Performed in World Telugu Conference held in Dubai - 2006
- ICCR Tour at Japan - 2010
- Prapamcha Telugu Maha Sabhalu Tirupati - 2012
- Republic Day Parade in New Delhi 2005
- Konark Dance Festival 2010
- Mamallapuram Dance Festival - 2008
- Ganjam Mahotsava-2007
- Kakatiya Festival - 2007, 2012
- Yuvatanrang Festival Osmania University - 2012
- Berhampur Dance Festival - 2010
- Berhampur Dance Festival organized by Andhra Bhashabhivardhani Samajam - 2007
- Shatavahana Festival. Kareemnagar – 2004 & 2010
- Annual Day Celebrations at Ramakrishna Mutt -Belur, Kanigari, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kashipur - 2007 - 2010
- Performed in Adharsha Kala Niketha Dance Festival held in Karimnagar - 1999
- Performed in National Folk Arts and crafts festival organized by Salangai Naatham in Thanjavur - 2005
- Annual Brahmotsavam, Dharmapuri Temple - 2005 - 2011
- Performed Andhram Dance Ballet at ADB annual meeting held in Shilparaman - 2006
- Performed in Shivaratri Brahmotsavam held in Sri Kaalahasthi - 2008
- Performed in Muvvala Savvadi dance program conducted by Doordharshan, Hyderabad - 2009
- Performed in Naadaneerajanam program conducted by SVBC channel Tirumala 2009 - 2013
- Thyagaraya Aaradhana Utsavams , Vemulawada - 2009 2011
- Performed in Gloden jubilee celebrations organized by Vedhanta society, Ramakrishna Mutt in Japan - 2010
- Performed in 16th National Jamboree festival organized by Bharat Scouts and Guides - 2011
- Performed in Shatarupan Mahotsavam - 2013
- Participated and performed perini in Telangana dhoom dhaam
- Performed perini tandavam in TANA festival 2015 Detroit ,USA
- Performed perini tandavam in TFAS 2015 new jersey ,USA
- Performed Ardhanareshwara nrutyam in Ugadi vedukalu at panwel Mumbai .2016
- Performed in perini brunda natyam along with academy students in telangana avirbhava vedukalu at lalita kala toranam Hyderabad -2016
- Performed ardhanareeshwara nrutyam in ugadi celebrations at Hosur -2017
- Performed perini natyam with guru sri padma subramanyam garu in delhi -2016
- Performed perini with 100 artist in O.U 100 years celebrations-2017
- Performed perini in(Hormony)inter national Youth &Cultural Festival organized by NIFAA Karnal ,Haryana-22-10-2017
- Performed ardhanareeshwara nrutyam as a special performance in (Hormony)inter national Youth &Cultural Festival organized by NIFAA Karnal ,Haryana-23-10-2017
- Performed perini in Paryatan parv organized by Ministry of Tourism ,New Delhi 25-10-2017
- Perini performance by students in international children Film Festival opening ceremony on 2017-shilpa Kala vedika
- Performed ardhanareshwaram in national seminar on samskritam organized by bharateeya samaakhyaa -10/11/2017 at Ravendhra Bharat, Hyderabad
- Preformed perini with his group in Global reddy convention-2017
- Performed perini and ardhanareshwara with his group in Godavari maha harati at Dharmapuri-2017
Seminars, Workshops attended
- Participated as a trainer in Kalaparichayam a summer cultural course in basics of music and Dance organized by Department of Culture - 2004
- Attended workshop organized by Andhra Natyam & Perini Artists Association and Department of Culture held at Lalitha Kala Peetham - 2012
- Participated as a trainer in PERINI NATYAM workshop in Karimnagar from May 14th to20th 2016
Choreography
- Devi Mahatyam Dance Ballet
- Saraswati Stotram
Qualifications
Diploma in Dance from Potti Sriramulu Telugu University, Hyderabad PG Diploma in Fashion Design from Lakhotia Institute of Designing, Hyderabad
Guru's
Bhrata kala Prapoorna Padmasri Dr. Nataraja Ramakrishna garu, Kala Krishna - Abhinava Satyabhama Sangeet Natak Academy Awardee
Work Experience
- worked as dance instructor in Alpha high school ,Ramannapet - 2001-2004
- worked as dance instructor in in Vignana vardhina high school ,Ramannapet -2002-2004
- worked as dance instructor in in sri chaitanya high school ,Ramannapet -2003-2005
- worked as a dance Master in Sri Satya Sai Vidhya Vihar High School ,Bagh amberpet ,Hyderabad -2005-2007
- worked as a dance Master in Delhi public school , Nanakramguda ,Hyderabad -2007-2009
- Worked as a dance Master in Global India International School, Patancheruvu,-2009-2010
- worked as a dance Master in Howard high school, Himayathnagar Hyderabad -2009-2010
- Running Vagdevi Arts Academy Dance school at Sripuram colony, Malakpet Hyderabad since 2006
- Working as Perini Dance lecturer in Sri Bhaktha Ramadasu Government College of Music and Dance, Secunderabad
