All about Famous Tamil Dances

Indian Classical Dances are the most well-known and oldest form of creative expression in the country. They have a strong religious and spiritual connotation. Each state has a distinct style of dance, and one such state is Tamil Nadu. Tamil dances have a long and illustrious history in the arts and entertainment. Iyel (Literature), Isai (Music), and Nadagam (Drama) are three types of entertainment that have their origins in the rural folk theatre Theru Koothu (Street play). The combination of these three art forms creates their various classical dance styles. This article lists famous dances of Tamil Nadu and explains some popular classical dances of Tamil Nadu. 

List of Famous Dances in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is known for its festivals, temples, and artistic celebrations. The most popular classical dances of Tamil Nadu pay an ode to the region’s spiritual and religious culture. 

Here are some of the most popular dances of Tamil Nadu:

• Bharatnatyam

One of India’s most talked-about dance forms, Bharatnatyam, is a South Indian dance that is performed by women only and has religious themes and spiritual notions. It is one of India’s oldest dance genres and combines dance and theatre. It is also the most famous classical dance in Tamil Nadu.

• Karakattam

This traditional Tamil Nadu folk dance honours the rain deity Mariamman. The dancers wear adorned pots on their heads in the Aatta Karakam form, while Sakthi Karakam is done as a sacred tribute.

• Nandanam Bhagavatha

This dance play depicts the life and glory of Lord Vishnu in his different manifestations. It is celebrated on Narasimha Jayanthi, Gokulashtami and Ramnavami.

• Mayil Attam

This dance is performed to the beat of folk music by women dressed in peacock feathers, sparkling headdresses, and a beak. They dress like peacocks to pay honour to Lord Muruga.

• Pulaiyattam

Pulaiyattam is an ancient folk dance of Tamil Nadu. This dance, which is generally performed by six dancers imitating the moves of magnificent predatory tigers, is a joyful and cultural celebration. Local artisans paint their bodies in vivid yellow and black to mimic an exact facsimile of a tiger in this dance. 

• Kummi

In this dance form, women form a circle and clap through their hands to make music. It is used in religious rituals, family gatherings, and harvest celebrations such as Pongal.

• Attam Kai Silambu

The dancers carry anklets called silambu to provide music and dance to satisfy the female deities, notably goddess Kali, in temples during Navratri or Amman celebrations.

• Oyilattam

The dancers perform this dance form to tell the great tales of Murugan and Valli or Lord. It is usually performed during festivals. The only musical instrument used is a series of bells worn by the dancers around their ankles.

• Kavadi Attam

Kavadi Attam dance is performed by men only. In this dance form, the dancers balance a Teak wood pole or Purasai with coconut water or milk jars on both ends. It is done to worship Lord Murugan.

• Karagam

This dance is performed to thank Mariamman, the rain goddess, and Gangaiamman, the river goddess. Drums and long pipes provide the traditional music for this dance.

• Kolaattam

Women do this dance while carrying two sticks that are pounded together to generate a rhythmic sound. Ropes are used to create lace designs in Pinnal Kolattam. It is performed for ten days during Deepavali.

• Kuravanji

Kuravanji, a hybrid of folk and classical dance, was once performed in temples by Devadasis. With Devadasis being refused access to temples, this love ballad-based dance is now fading into the background.

• Natakam Nondi

This folk drama depicts the life of a one-legged robber, from his first encounter with love to his eventual salvation through dedication to God. It’s a seventeenth-century song with simple text and a charming melody.

• Pavai Koothu

One of the most intense and popular dances on the list of famous dances of Tamil Nadu is Pavai Koothu. This dance is performed by deerskin puppets, with regional folk music provided by an idakka drummer and a vocalist. This dance, which takes place over 21 days, depicts all of the incidents of the Tamil Ramayana, Kamba Ramayana. 

• Bommalattam

Bommalattam, known for its puppet shows, features puppets made of cloth, wood, leather, and other materials. Puranas, epics, and folklore stories are performed entertainingly for children and adults.

• Urumi Attam

The whirling sound of ‘urumi’ gives the melody and the beat of the Thappu, which in turn provides the rhythm of this dancing sequence. This is particularly prevalent in Amman temples during the month of Adi. 

• Villu Paatu

Villu is a musical instrument. The instrument, a chorus, along with the Villu or Bow, fastened with bells, follows the lead vocalist in Villu Paatu. When the bells chime in tune, the villu is struck rhythmically. Interspersed with energetic songs, the lead vocalist tells a story. 

Conclusion

The multiple dance styles and various moves in these dance forms define their roots and cultural importance. From Bharatnatyam to Villu Paatu, the essence of preserving this art form is transferred from one generation to the other. The sprite of dance styles in Tamil culture lies in its people.