Traditional Dances of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is expertise the most celebrated folk dances of the world. Such folk dances are

presented during the local festival celebrations by the locality people.

List of some Dance Information in Tamil Nadu:

1. Bharatanatyam

2. Kolattam

3. Oylattam

4. Peacock Dance(Mayil Attam)

5. Karagattam

1. Bharatanatyam:

Bharatha Natyam = Bhava (expression) + Raga (musical mode) + Tala (rhythm) Natyam

(dance).

Origin: Tamil Nadu

Method of Dance:

Bharatha Natyam is form of dance has been carried by 'nattuvanars' and devadasis, in the temples

of south India. This is directly derived from the devotional dances performed in the temples of

South India from the tenth century to the middle of this century.

2. Kolattam:

Kolattam is an ancient village art.

Origin:

This is mentioned in Kanchipuram as "Cheivaikiyar Kolattam", which proves its antiquity.

Method of Dance:

This is performed by women only, with two sticks held in each hand, beaten to make a rhythmic

noise. Pinnal Kolattam is danced with ropes which the women hold in their hands,

3. Oylattam:

Oyil means beauty. This dance is hence the dance of beauty.

Origin:

This dance is prevalent in the south districts and Kongu Nadu in particular

Method of Dance:

First a few people will stand in a row and start dancing with rhythmic steps with musical

accompaniment. Intricate steps are used in martial arts, such as Silambattam. Then gradually the

row will become longer as the new comers and guests all join and dance along as they like. The

dancers wear ankle-bells.

4. Peacock Dance (Mayil Attam):

This is an artistic and religious form of dance performed in the Hindu temples of Tamil

Nadu and Kerala

Origin:

Tamil Nadu and Kerala

Method of Dance:

This is done by girls dressed as peacocks, resplendent with peacock feathers and a glittering

headdress complete with a beak. This beak can be opened and closed with the help of a thread

tied to it, and manipulated from within dress.

5. Karagattam

Karagam is a dance performed in praise of the rain goddess Mari Amman and river goddess

Gangai Amman.

Origin:

Most expert artistes are from Thanjavur, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, Madurai, Tirunelveli,

and Pattukottai and Salem regions.

Method of Dance:

Karagam dance feature is how a dancer balancing a pot of on head and dancing with more

intricate steps and body/arm movements decides the skill of performer. Today, the pots have

transformed from mud pots to bronze ware and even stainless steel to have more decency in

looking and better handling. The pots are decorated in many ways with the help of attractive

flower arrangements, topped by a moving paper parrot. The parrot rotates as the dancer takes

swings along these looks beautiful.

Referred@: http://folk-dances.tripod.com/id17.html

See more @: http://www.wondersoftamilnadu.com/cultural-dances-of-tamilnadu.html

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