Tamil Folk Music for Dance

Find the perfect Tamil Folk Music for your next dance performance from our wide selection of songs.

Introduction to Tamil Folk Music

Folk music is the traditional music of a group of people. It is passed down orally from one generation to the next. Folk music is usually specific to a region or country and is often created by unknown singers and songwriters. It is often about the everyday lives of the people who sing it. Folk music can be used for dancing, work, or just listening.

Tamil folk music is the traditional music of the Tamil people of South India. It is passed down orally from one generation to the next. Tamil folk music is usually specific to the Tamil region and is often created by unknown singers and songwriters. It is often about the everyday lives of the Tamil people. Tamil folk music can be used for dancing, work, or just listening.

The Different Types of Tamil Folk Music

There are many different types of Tamil folk music, each with its own distinct style and purpose. Some of the most popular forms of Tamil folk music include:

Bharatanatyam music: This type of music is typically used as accompaniment for the Bharatanatyam dance form. It is characterized by its use of rhythm and melody to create a expressive and emotional experience for the dancer and audience alike.

Devotional music: This type of Tamil folk music is used to support religious rituals and ceremonies. The lyrics and melodies of devotional songs are often based on ancient texts and spiritual themes.

Folk songs: These songs are typically about the daily life, love, or work of the common people. Folk songs are usually passed down through generations, and often have a “call and response” structure where the singer leads and the audience responds.

Work songs: These songs are designed to help workers coordinate their efforts while working on a task. The lyrics and melody of work songs often reflect the specific work that is being done.

The Instruments Used in Tamil Folk Music

There is a great deal of diversity in the instruments used in Tamil folk music. The basic percussion instruments are the thappu (a kind of drum), the kuzhal (a wind instrument), and the nagaswaram (a type of oboe). Other popular instruments include the thalam (cymbals), the mridangam (a type of drum), and the ghatam (a clay pot).

In addition to these traditional instruments, many modern Tamil folk bands make use of Western instruments such as electric guitars and keyboards.

The History of Tamil Folk Music

Folk music is the music of the people, so it’s only natural that it would change and evolve over time. Tamil folk music is no different – it has a rich history that can be traced back centuries.

Tamil folk music can be divided into two categories: parai (Drum) music and isaikkal (Flute) music. Parai was traditionally played by professional musicians called paraiyar, while isaikkal was played by shepherds and farmers.

The origins of Tamil folk music are somewhat unclear, but it is believed that the first paraiyar were brought to Tamil Nadu from Karnataka in the 13th century. Indian classical music also had an influence on the development of Tamil folk music, as did devotional songs (bhajans) from Hindu temples.

Over time, Tamil folk music has undergone many changes, both in terms of its style and its purpose. In the past, it was primarily performed for religious rituals and ceremonies, but today it is more likely to be heard at weddings, festivals, and other celebrations.

Despite these changes, one thing remains constant: Tamil folk music continues to be an important part of the state’s cultural heritage.

The Significance of Tamil Folk Music

Folk music plays an important role in the culture of Tamil Nadu. It is the music of the people, sung in their own language and it reflects their daily lives. The songs are about love, loss, competition, work, and religious ceremonies. They are an important part of social gatherings and are often used to teach children about their cultural heritage.

Tamil folk music is traditionally performed by a group of singers known as a kattaikkuttu troupe. These troupes travel from village to village, performing for the local people. The music is accompanied by a Dappan koothu (drum), a Gottuvadyam (string instrument), and a Nadaswaram (wind instrument).

The songs are usually improvised on the spot, with the singers making up the melodies as they go along. This gives the music a very natural and organic feel. It is this spontaneity that makes Tamil folk music so special.

How Tamil Folk Music is Used in Dance

Folk music is the music of the people, and each culture has its own brand of folk music. In Tamil Nadu, India, there is a rich tradition of folk music that is used in dance. Tamil folk music is characterized by its use of rhythmic patterns, often in 6/8 or 8/8 time, and by its use of repetitive phrases. The music is usually played on the nadaswaram (a type of oboe) and the tavil (a type of drum), and it often accompanies Bharatanatyam, a form of Indian classical dance.

Tamil folk music has a number of different genres, including devotional songs, songs for harvest and weddings, lullabies, and love songs. The lyrics are often about Hindu deities or about the lives of rural people. Many of the songs are accompanied by dances that tell stories or that depict everyday activities such as grinding flour or drawing water from a well.

Tamil folk music is an important part of the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. It is a source of pride for the people who live there, and it provides them with a sense of identity. It is also a source of entertainment and enjoyment for both those who listen to it and those who dance to it.

The Different Styles of Tamil Folk Dance

Folk dances are a part of every culture, and India is no different. Folk dances of India reflect the daily life of the people in a region or state. There are many different types of folk dances, each with its own unique style and costume.

In Tamil Nadu, there are several folk dances that are popular. Some of these dances are performed solo, while others are performed in groups. The different styles of Tamil folk dance include:
-Kattu varisai: This is a solo dance performed by women, usually to the beat of a drum. The dancer will often wear a traditional nine-yard sari.
-Pongal dance: This is a group dance performed by both men and women during the Pongal festival. The dancers wear brightly colored clothes and paint their faces with stripes of white clay.
-Mayil attam: This is a solo dance performed by women, usually to the music of nadaswaram (a traditional Tamil instrument). The dancer will wear a skirt and blouse that are decorated with peacock feathers.
-Kolattam: This is a group dance usually performed by girls and young women. The dancers hold sticks in their hands and hit them together as they dance in circles. Kolattam is often accompanied by folk songs.
-Bommalattam: This is a puppet show that is popular in Tamil Nadu. It is usually performed by two people, who use puppets to tell a story. Bommalattam can be either serious or comic in nature.

The Popularity of Tamil Folk Music and Dance

Tamil folk music and dance is extremely popular in the Tamil culture. It is often used for special occasions and celebrations, such as weddings, festivals, and religious ceremonies. The music is upbeat and lively, and the dance is very expressive. Tamil folk music and dance often tells a story or conveys a message through the use of lyrics, gestures, and movement.

The Future of Tamil Folk Music

The future of Tamil folk music is in danger. With the advent of new technology and the globalization of society, traditional folk music is being replaced by popular music from other cultures. This is a trend that is occurring not only in Tamil Nadu, but also in other parts of India and the world.

There are many reasons for this change. One reason is that traditional instruments are being replaced by electronic ones. For example, the traditional flute is now being replaced by the keyboard in many bands. Another reason is that people are no longer interested in learning traditional folk dances. They would rather listen to music from other cultures or watch television shows that feature dance performances from other countries.

The change in Tamil folk music is also due to the fact that many young people are leaving their villages to pursue higher education or find jobs in cities. They are no longer interested in the music of their culture and instead prefer to listen to popular music from other parts of India or the world.

This trend has led to a decline in the popularity of Tamil folk music. Many people believe that unless something is done to preserve and promote this type of music, it will disappear completely within a few generations.

Conclusion

We hope you have enjoyed learning about Tamil folk music for dance. This type of music is an important part of the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu and has been passed down from generation to generation. It is a great way to add excitement and energy to any dance performance.