Is Not All Dance Playfulness in Rhythm?
Glimpses of Indian Folk Dances
ALMOST A RITUAL FOR THE COMMON FOLK
There is perhaps no other art or cultural expression which is as ancient and intimate a part of the life of Indians as dance is. Indian culture, one can say even India, cannot be properly understood and appreciated without an adequate acquaintance with Indian dance through which the artistic genius of the Indian people has expressed itself. This is as effective as it is rich and varied.
The origin of dance in India goes back to prehistoric times and is referred to in ancient treaties on Indian dance and drama as being of a divine nature. Folk dances of India are too many to be enumerated in the short space of a single article. These folk dances are as diverse and multifaceted as the manifold cultures and traditions of the people of India. Each State, each region, and each community in this vast country has its own folk dances which are danced to the accompaniment of folk songs and various types of drums and musical instruments. The common folk musicians express their natural aptitude and skill on various festive occasions. As far as the tribal people of India are concerned, folk dance has always been a vital part of their lives and continues to be almost a ritual for them even to this day.
India generally has two dance forms which can be classified into two categories, namely classical dance and folk dance. These dance forms have originated, according to Indian tradition, from the many different States of the country. Today the identity of the originators of these rich dance forms may have dwindled with the passing of time, but the style is still preserved down the ages.
The most appealing aspect of Indian folk dances is the attire needed for their performance. Each and every folk dance in this country possesses its own specific costume. These costumes differ from dance to dance. But, in general, they are very bright and colorful, with traditional pieces of jewelry that give each performance that exclusive folk touch. Obviously, there is no subtlety or sophistication In their dances but there is a great natural vigor and spontaneity which is exhilarating.
Whether they are farmers, fishermen, sailors, shepherds, weavers, or sweepers, all those who constitute the mass of the immense Indian sub-continent have been dancing their own folk dances since time immemorial to bring the light touch of rhythm and happiness to their hard work in life.
The Kummi and Kollattum dances are beautiful examples of the folk dances of the South Indian women of India. Derived from the word Kummai, the dance form of Kummi has evolved, which is nothing but clapping the hands while dancing to the rhythm of tunes. Kummi has been an inevitable part of Tamil festivals like Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal and during festivals in the Mariamman temples. It is also a ritual to perform Kummi at home during marriage functions and when a girl attains puberty.
The folk dances of India, while being an exclusive art of a particular community, have also become an asset to India’s rich cultural heritage.
In a country where the world is supposed to be born out of the playfulness of the Creator, it is natural that dance should play such an important part in the life of the people, for is not all dance playfulness in rhythm?
