Tamil Nadu is rich in Art & Entertainment. One of the famous dance-form, which is one among the 8 classical dances of India, Bharatanatyam, originated here. Many other dances are traced and few are listed below.

Bharatanatyam :

Bharatanatyam is one of the famous artforms of India. This dance is an evolved version of ‘Sadhiraattam’ which was performed by devadasis as temple ritual. As all the other classical art forms, this also needs years and years of efforts and hardwork to be a better dancer. The term Bharata has two different meanings. One is that, as Natyasastra (source text) was authored by Bharata Muni & this art gets the name after him and the other is Bha+ra+ta, bhava, raaga and tala natyam. The word natyam means drama as per Natyasastra and people also call it as dance alone, while a drama contains music, dance, plot and also dialogues. 

Koothu :

Koothu is a street play consisting of music, dance, plot and dialogues. These are performed during big festivals around many parts of the state. The performance begins by evening and ends late in the night or even lasts till next day morning. This artform is connected with the term natyam as we saw above.

Oyilaattam :

This dance does not have any lyrical content or song and are performed for melam and flute. These are performed during festivals and village gatherings. Dancers hold a handkerchief and swing it by following the leading dancer of the crew.

Karagaattam :

A pot made of either metal or clay is placed over the head and balanced by the dancer while dancing. In the worships of Goddess Amman, this dance is performed.

Kavadi Aattam :

This is famous in the temples of Lord Muruga all around the world. Devotees carry Kavadi, which is a kind of burden and do dance and walk to the temple. There are various types of kavadi and the music played is called as kavadi chindu. This kind of music are even danced by Bharatanatyam dancers by including classical movements with folk touch.

Other than these, 

• Thappaattam
• Mayilaattam
• Kolaattam
• Kazhai Koothu
• Otthan Koothu
• Puliyaattam
• Paambaattam
• Poi Kaal Kuthirai Aattam

and many more have been traced.

These are only few among many dances of Tamil Nadu. Above mentioned dance forms are quite famous in and around the state. 

Dance is a real stress burster.

And…

Ofcourse…

“It may be any kind of Art-form, but it really helps one to burst out their stress”

Art! Art Helps! Art Heals!

Stay happy! Stay focused! 

~ Priyam!