The Indian culture is filled with various fine art practices. One of it is dancing. There are many type of dancing performed in this culture. Every type of dance has it’s own meaning and definition. The Cultural Stage at CAVE VILLA offers some of the dances which is called “FOLK DANCE”, that falls under the non- classical category normally performed by villagers for certain occasions. The dances are also dedicated to the gods and godesses for blessing and protection in return. The three popular dances performed at CAVE VILLA are peacock dance, the ‘neem’ dance (for goddess Amman) and the thanks giving dance for Lord Murugan. Other types of Folk Dances are:
KARAGATTAM
A group of dancers will place decorated pots on their heads and perform the act of balancing by swiftly dancing in the presence of musical instruments.
KOLATTAM
A type of dance performed by women only, with two sticks held in each hand, beaten to make a rhythmic sound.
KUMMI ATTAM
Kummi is one of the 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 dance is performed by women.
KAVADI ATTAM
The ancient Tamils when they went on pilgrimage, carried the offerings to the gods tied on the either end of the long stick, which was balanced on the shoulders. In order to lessen the boredom of the long travel they used to sing and dance about the gods. This is mainly a religious dance, performed in worship of Lord Murugan, the second son of Siva.
PULI ATTAM
Puli Attam is performed by young men with painted bodies in colours yellow and black, complete with fangs, head gear with ears, paws with claws and long tail, simulating the prancing, pouncing tiger in every ferocious move.
POIKKAAL KUDIRAI ATTAM
This is the Dummy Horse Dance where the dancer bears the dummi figure of a horse's body on his/her hips. This is made of light-weighted materials and the cloth at the sides swings to and fro covering the legs of the dancer.
