Kolaata, Kolannalu, Kolkolannalu

'Kolaata', 'Kollattam' or the stick dance is one of the most popular dances of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Kolaata is derived from Kol (a small stick) and aata (play). It is also called as Kolannalu or Kolkolannalu.



Kolattam dance is a combination of rhythmic movements, songs and music and is performed during local village festivals. Kolattam is known by different names in different states of India. The Kolattam group consists of dancers in the range of 8 to 40. The stick, used in the kolaata dance, provides the main rhythm.