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Oyilaattam

Oyil means beauty. This dance is hence the dance of beauty. Traditioinllly, it is danced only by men. Ten years ago women also began to participate. First a few people will stand in a row and start dancing with rhythmic steps with musical accompaniment. Lntricate steps are used, which are much similar to those used in martial arts, such as Silambaattam. Then gradually the row will become longer as the new comers and guests all join and dance along as they like. The dancers wear ankle-bells. Normally, the dance is performed with the accompaniment of musical instruments and songs.

Kol Silambam or fighting with long stick and even with swords if a martial art extant from the days of Tamil Kings. Fights were characterized by moves of self defence, practice of skilful methods of approaching the opponent, overpowering and subduring him, and finally teaching him a lesson, all to put an end to violence. A violent fighting art has metamorphosed into a non-violent form of folk dance, adding stepping styles following the measure of time. It also teaches the performer the methods of self defence in modern day world.

Devarattam is a pure folk dance still preserved by the descendants of Veerapandiya Kattabomman dynasty at kodangipatti in madurai District. It was actually performed once a year near the temple and that too restricted to that Devaraattam is a combination of ancient muntherkuravai and pintherkuravai.

The main singer here is accompanied by a chorus, musical instrument and a main instrument, the Villu or Bow, fixed with bells. The Villu is struck rhythmically when the bells jingle in tune. The main singer narrates a tale, interspersed with lively songs. This is a popular folk art form which has appeal to village community and athe urban section as well.

Yet another typical - specially of the southern region is the snake-dance which arises from the popularity of the snake as a protective divinity, safeguarding the health and happiness of the rural folk.

Usually danced by young girls dressed in a tight-fitting costume designed like the snake-skin. The dancer stimulates the movements of the snake, writhing and creeping, at times making quick biting movements with the head and hands. The raised hands held together look like the hood of a snake.

The whirring sounds of 'urumi' ( Percussion instrument ) providing th emelody and the rhythmically beat of the Thappu accompany th edance sequence in this kilnd of temple art form. This is conducted oin the occasion of temple festivals. The sound in mellifluous tone keeps one spel bound during the festivals of rural community.

Kummi is one of the most important and ancient forms of village dances of Tamilnadu. It originated when there were no musical instruments, with the participants clapping their hands to keep time. This is performed by women; many varieties of Kummi, such as, Poonthatti Kummi, Deepa Kummi, Kulavai Kummi, Kadir Kummi, Mulaipari Kummi etc. are known. The women stand in a circle and dance clapping their hands rhythmically to lilting songs. This dance is usually performed during temple festivals, Pongal, the harvest festival, family functions like the one to celebrate the coming of age (onset of puberty ) of the girl -child etc. the first line of the song is sung by the leading lady, which the others repeat.

Kolattam is an ancient village art. This is mentioned in Kanchipuranam as 'Cheivaikiyar Kolattam', which proves it's antiquity. This is performed by women only, with two sticks held in each hand, beaten to make a rhythmic noise. Pinnal Kolaattam is danced with ropes which the women hold in their hands, the other ends of which are tied to a tall pole. With planned steps, the women skip over each other, which forms intricate lace-like patterns in the ropes. As colored ropes are used, this lace looks extremely attractive. Again, they unravel this lace reversing the dance steps. This is performed for ten days, starting with the Amavasai or Newmoon night after Deepavali.

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