Kolattam is an ancient village art

Kolattam training: by SEVAI School trainer

“Kolattam is an ancient village art” said the dance trainer in SEVAI School in Arumbuhalnagar.During Pongal holidays; the pupils of SEVAI Shanthi School were learning Kollattam. The trainer narrated, “Kollattam or "the stick dance” is one of the most popular dance narratives in South India. It's a rural art usually performed during village festivals. It is a combination of rhythmic movements, songs and music. The Kolatam group comprises dancers ranging from 8 to 10 where they are grouped in pairs. The sticks provide the main rhythm. The dancers are led by the leader and move about in two circles. The inner circle receives the strikes on their sticks from the artists in the outer circle that deliver them. Kolattam is performed by women, with two sticks held in each hand, beaten to make a rhythmic sound. Pinnal Kolattam is danced with ropes which the women hold in their hands, the other of which are tied to a tall pole. With planned steps, the women skip over each other, which form intricate lace-like patterns in the ropes. As coloured ropes are used, this lace looks extremely attractive. Again, they unravel this lace reversing the dance steps. Indian folk dances are simple dances, and are performed to express joy. Folk dances are performed for every possible occasion, and festivals. The dances are extremely simple with minimum of steps or movement. On most occasions, the dancers sing themselves, while being accompanied by artists on the instruments. Each form of dance has a specific costume. While there are numerous ancient folk dances, many are constantly being improved. The skill and the imagination of the dances influence the performance”. -Govin