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The dances of Tamil Nadu are almost synonymous with
Bharatnatyam. Bhava, which is expression, Raga, which is the
musical mode, and Tala which is rhythm, are the three main
attributes which make up the exquisite dance form of
Bharatnatyam. This dance was originally performed by
Devadasis who were the women performing these dances in the
temples; before the deities. The dances were both
ritualistic and devotional as a form of offering to the
Gods. This dance form is believed to have been originated
from Natya Shastra, which is written by Bharat Muni, a Hindu
sage.
Nattuvanars are the singers during the dance performances
who keep the beat |
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of the
dance steps.The dance movements of
this dance resemble a fluid poetry in motion. In many
temples, sculptures depicting the many postures of this
dance form can still be seen which has been a great
inspiration for many dancers and researchers of Bharatanatyam.
However, Tamil Nadu dances not only to the tune of
Bharatnatyam. Tamil Nadu has a wonderful folk dance
tradition, which dates back across many centuries. The folk
dances are still being performed in many villages of Tamil
Nadu even today. The folk dances of Tamilnadu are not only
colourful, presenting a wonderful sight, they are also a
part of the rich heritage of Tamil Nadu. Some of the folk
dances of the state are Karagattam, Oyil Kummi, Mayil Attam,
Kavadi Aattam, Kali Attam, Devarattam, Bommalattam or puppet
show, Chakkai Attam, Kazhai Kothu, Kummi, etc.
Karagattam is a traditional dance, which is performed
balancing a pot on the head along with accompaniment of
music. It is performed to hail the rain goddess Mari Amman
and the river goddess Gangai Amman. It was known as
Kudakoothu in the Sangam literature and it has two divisions
which are Sakthi Karagam and Aatta Karagam. Aatta Karagam is
performed only in temples while Sakthi Karagam is performed
mainly for entertainment, during festivities in villages.
The dancers perform a number of acrobatic movements while
balancing the decorated pots on their heads while dancing.
On the pots are flower arrangements along with a paper
parrot, which keeps bobbing as the dancer moves. This is the
most popular folk dance in Tamil Nadu.
Kummi is another folk dance, which was earlier performed by
the women in the villages. Its origins dates back to the
archaic times, when there were no musical instruments, and
participants clapped to keep track of rhythm. It s still
performed in the same way, by the women, who dance and clap
as they move around in circles. They also sing while
performing the dance steps. Kummi is performed during
festivals like Pongal which is the harvest festival and the
most important festival for the villagers of Tamil Nadu.
In Mayil Attam, the girls dress up to look like peacocks
with beautiful peacock feathers and a glittering head dress
with a beak. The beak can be open and closed with the help
of a string which is tied to the beak and controlled from
within the dress. This is also very popular during village
festivals.
Theru Koothu is another folk dance form of Tamil Nadu, which
is generally performed during the village festivals. In this
dance form comprising singers and musical troupe, make-up
and costumes carry great importance. This open-air dance,
involving story-telling and rendering of songs, is only
performed by men, who play both the male and female roles.
The narratives are borrowed from the epics- Mahabharata and
Ramayana- Puranas, and also local folklore. This dance-drama
of sorts is carried for hours together, and extends from the
late evening to the small hours of night, before a
transfixed audience.
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