Dance or Nadagam forms an integral part of
the culture of Tamil Nadu, with its origin stemming from the ancient
dance-drama form called Therukoothu. Traditional folk dances of Tamil
Nadu include several individual and group forms, some of which are now
being practiced not only for their heritage but also for their
entertainment quotient. The tribal dances of Tamil Nadu include dances
from the simplest form of a puppet show to the Poikkal Kuthirai Attam.
Many of the dance forms practiced are woven
around a story, intended to entertain the audience or to pay homage to a
deity. Dancers dress in animal costumes for many dances in Tamil Nadu,
showing the strong connection between the nature and the Gods. They
dress like a peacock for Mayil Attam , as a horse while performing
Poikkal Kuthirai, as a bull in Kaalai Attam, snake like dress for Paampu
Attam and as a bear in Karadi Attam.
Mayil Attam
Women dancers adorned with peacock feathers, glittering headdress, and a beak perform this dance to the tune of folk music. They pay homage to Lord Muruga by dressing as peacocks.
Kummi
This classical dance form has women standing in a circle, clapping their hands to add beats. It is performed at all religious ceremonies, family functions, and harvest festivals like Pongal.
Kai Silambu Attam
Performed in temples during Navratri or Amman festivals, the dancers hold anklets or silambu to give music, and dance to please the female deities, especially goddess Kali through their dance.
Bharatnatyam
A dance performed only by women, Bharatnatyam depicts religious themes and spiritual ideas of South India. Among the oldest dance forms of India, it includes dance as well as drama.
Karakattam
Rain goddess Mariamman is praised through this ancient folk dance of Tamil Nadu. The Aatta Karakam form of this dance has decorated pots on the dancers’ heads and Sakthi Karakam is performed as a religious offering.
Bhagavatha Nandanam
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