The history of art and entertainment in Tamil Nadu is extensive. The rural folk theatre known as Theru Koothu (street play) served as the inspiration for the three forms of entertainment that are categorised as Iyel (literature), Isai (music), and Nadagam (drama). Numerous individual and group dances that combine the traditional styles for appeal and pure entertainment value. Tribal people execute a few of the dancing types.[1] In Tamil Nadu, most of these dances are still quite popular today.
Bharatanatyam
One important form of Indian classical dance that has its roots in Tamil Nadu is Bharatanatyam.[2][3][4] Traditionally, Bharatanatyam has only been performed by women as a solo dance,[5][6] which conveyed spiritual and religious themes from South India, mostly related to Shaivism but also including Vaishnavism and Shaktism.[2][7][8] Perhaps India's oldest classical dance tradition is Bharatanatyam.[9]
The locked upper torso, legs bent or knees flexed, amazing footwork, and complex sign language vocabulary based on hand, eye, and facial muscle gestures are characteristics of the Bharatanatyam style.[10] A singer and music are played as the dance is performed, and the artist and director of the performance is usually her guru.[2] Traditionally, dancing has served as a vehicle for interpretive storytelling.
Bommalatam or Puppet show
Every village has puppet performances during its festivals and fairs. For this show, a wide variety of puppets made of fabric, wood, leather, etc. are employed. They are controlled by wires or strings. The puppets are held in front of the puppeteers, who are positioned behind a screen. The puppet shows depict tales from folklore, epics, and Puranas. These are highly engaging shows that captivate audiences of all ages for extended periods o7time.[12]
Chakkai Attam
One of Tamil Nadu's most well-known folk dances is Chakkai Aattam. Eight to ten dancers do this dance while standing in a circle or in parallel lines. The sound is produced by them holding 7 × ¾ inch teak wooden pieces between their fingers. The gods and goddesses are the subject of the hymns chanted during the dance.
Chakkai is a type of traditional dance from Tamil Nadu, India. In some parts of Tamil Nadu, people still practise this ancient style of dancing. "Aattam" refers to any form of dancing. It is considered to be a particular type of dance when the term "Chakkai" is added to it. The dancers stand in parallel lines and execute the dance together. They do the dance in a circle as well.
Devarattam
The pure traditional dance known as devarattam[13] has been preserved. Actually, it was done in the vicinity of the temple once a year. Scholars studying folklore have discovered that Devarattam is a hybrid of the ancient Tamil kings' "muntherkuruvai" and "pintherkuruvai." On the victorious return of the King and his army from the battlefield, it was performed in front of and at the chariot. On occasion, the monarch and his marshalls would also dance on the deck of the chariot. Behind the chariot, the warriors and female dancers would line up and begin to dance. These days, this dance is only performed to the beat of Thappu Melam, Urumi Melam, and occasionally a lengthy flute. There are no melodies associated with it. The dancers swing their kerchiefs while holding one in each hand.
Kai Silambu Attam
This dance is performed in temples during Amman festivals or Navaratri festival. The dancers wear ankle-bells and hold anklets or silambu in their hands, which make noise when shaken. They perform various stepping styles jumps. The dance is in praise of all female deities, the most preferred being the powerful angry goddess - Kali or Durga.[15]
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