Kolata or stick dance is a kind of valour dance involving groups of people
who indulge in bending, swaying and jumping activities to the tune of
rhythmic clashing of sticks. With two sticks in hand, each dancer can
strike in various patterns and rhythms. There is considerably more flexibility
in the pattern of dancing so also singing. Members of Vokkaliga, Nayaka
and Golla communities of Mysore, Mandya and Hassan districts and the Hallakki
Gowda community of North Karnataka and the Kodavas of Coorg excel in Kolata.
There is a rich spread of romantic and valour themes and references to
contemporary, political and social issues in Kolata songs.
