The Kolkali Dance is one of the popular dances in Kerala. Several arts and crafts are practiced in Kerala, including dance, martial arts, and ritual arts. The dance forms of Kerala are mainly folk dances and bear the legacy of the traditional art and craft of Kerala.
Kerala has a great variety of folk dances that reflect the characteristics and temperaments of the localities in music and costume. Kolkkali is one such folk dance of Kerala that is worth watching on your Kerala tour. Kolkkali, also called Kolukali, Koladi, etc., is believed to be a dance form that is more than a thousand years old.
Who performs the Kolkali Dance?
The Kolkali dance of Kerala is performed mainly by the farmers. It is a highly rhythmic dance known for its exhibition of physical skills, in which a group of dancers wield small sticks. A group often has 12–24 performers, each with two sticks. A harmonious synchronization of the tapping of feet to the clapping of sticks sets the rhythm of this unique dance.
How is the Kolkali dance in Kerala performed?
The dancers sing and move in a circle around a nilavilakku as they dance and strike the small sticks in harmony. Though the dancers break away to form various patterns, they keep rhythm with special steps. As the Kolkali dance progresses, the circle expands and contracts. The pace and rhythm of the dance differ from phase to phase as the accompanying music gradually rises in pitch and the dance culminates.
Where is Kolkali dancing popular?
In Malabar, the Kolkali dance is more prevalent among Muslim men. This unique dance form is also a top draw for tourists.
Instruments used in the Kolkali dance in Kerala
Kolkali dance tunes incorporate religious tales detailing local deities. The primary soundtrack for this dance is the sound of the sticks. However, this dance is accompanied by musical instruments such as the Chenda, Elathalam, Mathalam, and Chengala.
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