Kazhai Kothu Dance

Kazhai Kothu is a popular folk dance form of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This is very similar to what we call gymnastics today. To be more precise it is near about modern-day circus. The performers travel together in a group from place to place, amusing the local people as and when required. People who flock together for a show get treated to an interesting selection of acts and paying a meager amount in return. This ultimately helps the Kazhai Kothu dance troupes earn a living.

The Aryans brought with them their way of living, their thoughts and their rich cultural heritage. Kazhai Kothu is just a part of this which was specialized by the Aryans. There is immense scope and variety of human performance in Kazhai Kothu. Common acts include a variety of acrobatics and gymnastics including tightrope walking, artistic balancing acts of juggling, and a variety of performances on the floor. These might be individual performance or are in most cases a group performance.

Most of the forms in Kazhai Kothu involve difficult feats of balance, agility and coordination. The performers make use of full-body activities and they jiggle with the rhythmic beats of music. Various interesting but simple folk instruments play the music to accompany the dance. Kazhai Kothu training aims at the ultimate co-ordination of mind and body. New dancers often learn informally by following others and/or receiving help from others. There are both professional and semi-professional Kazhai Kothu dance groups. Though a traditional dance form, still Kazhai Kothu evokes the interest of the masses.