### Introduction to Dances in Tamil Nadu

In Tamil culture, the performing arts have a rich and vibrant history, with a variety of indigenous dances that reflect the region's cultural heritage. For dance in Tamil, we refer to it as “Aadal” or Aattam. These dances are an integral part of Tamil Nadu's performing arts traditions, each with its own unique movements, music, and cultural significance.

Native Dances of Tamil Nadu

Here are some of the native dances practiced in Tamil Nadu:

Kummiattam

This dance is a communal event often performed during festivals and fairs. It involves rhythmic hopping and clapping, with participants moving in a circle or line.

Oyilattam

Known for its graceful movements and simple structures, Oyilattam is a couple's dance that emphasizes hand movements and eye contact.

Kavadi Attam

Performed during the Karthigai festival, Kavadi Attam is characterized by the use of kavadis, which are wooden frames decorated with flowers and symbolic items, carried on the shoulders.

Karagattam

In this dance, performers carry a pot filled with milk or water on their heads, performing acrobatic movements without spilling the contents. This dance requires great balance and coordination.

Theru Koothu

Performed during cultural and religious festivals, Theru Koothu (street theatre) is a narrative dance drama that combines acting, singing, and dance.

Puliyattam

This dance is characterized by the movements of a tiger, using dancers dressed as tigers performing acrobatic and graceful movements. It is commonly performed during the Pongal festival.

Kolaattam

A ceremonial dance performed during weddings and other festive occasions, Kolaattam involves dancers clapping and using colorful sticks to travel in a circle.

Ottan Koothu

Performed by men, Ottan Koothu is a dance drama that tells stories from mythological and historical texts.

Poikkal Kudhirai Attam

This dance is performed by men dressed as women, often carrying pots or baskets. It is a popular dance during the Pongal festival.

Kazhai Kothu

A narrative dance, Kazhai Kothu is performed by a group of dancers who tell a story through dance and singing, with complex movements and aesthetic expressions.

Oyil Kummi

Oyil Kummi is a rhythmic dance form that involves clapping and stomping to a melodious tune, usually performed in groups.

Bharatanatyam: The Dance of Tamil Nadu

While it is true that many of these indigenous dances are unique to Tamil Nadu, there is a misconception about Bharatanatyam, a traditional dance form that is often mistakenly attributed as a dance of Tamil Nadu. Bharatanatyam, in fact, has its roots in Sanskritized culture and tempts to be misconstrued with Tamil culture. The term Bharathanatyam, often thought to represent the dance of Tamil Nadu, actually refers to the dance of “Bharata”, the legendary sage who authored the Natya Shastra. This ancient text was not written from a Tamil perspective but rather within the framework of Sanskrit.

Origins of Bharatanatyam

Bharatanatyam as it is known today has its origins in the ancient treatise on theatre, Natyashastra. This text, written by the mythic priest Bharata, laid down the foundational principles of performing arts in India. Originally, Bharatanatyam was a dance form performed by women in Hindu temples, often as a mode of devotion and expression of religious stories. Over time, it has evolved and spread across various regions, but its roots remain firmly in the Sanskrit tradition.

Modern Representation of Bharatanatyam

Today, Bharatanatyam continues to evolve, incorporating elements from other dance forms and cultural influences. It remains a significant art form in Tamil Nadu and is now performed in a variety of settings, from traditional dance halls to stages and even classrooms. The dance form is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its importance and cultural value.

In conclusion, Tamil Nadu boasts a diverse array of dances that reflect its cultural richness and heritage. While some of these dances are unique to the region, such as Kummiattam, Oyilattam, and Puliyattam, others like Bharatanatyam have their origins in Sanskrit and are not, as commonly believed, specific to Tamil Nadu. Understanding and preserving these rich dance traditions is vital for the cultural legacy of Tamil Nadu.