Musical instruments
A percussion instrument called the Tharai thappattai drum, resembling a tambourine without the jingles, is often used for Dappaankuthu. Unlike normal tambourines, this requires a wooden to play. The urumee drum is also often used. A customised trumpet is also sometimes employed. The rhythm of the Dappan koothu (the "Tharai Thappattai" sound) is often signified by a mix of beat patterns layered and flowing into one another. Other percussion instruments may be employed in Dappan koothu.
This instrument can be heard being played in houses where death has occurred to reduce or to suppress the sound of crying or to inform others about a death in Tamil villages. The particular beat employed is called "Saavu Adi". It may also be used to express joy. Mostly, this dance form is pretty much accompanied by "Gaana Songs"- A typical song genre that goes along with this dance type. Like in Local Chennai they say, "Like Liquor and Pickle, DappanKuthu and Gaana go together".
Outfit and embellishments
Even though any attire can be worn when one dances the Dappaankuthu, a lungi (colourful cloth wrapped around the waist) is commonly worn and most preferable, with the bottom raised and folded upwards over the knees in the middle. Ideally, it should be worn over pattapatti (lined trousers). The shirt worn would have only two or three buttons in place, while the chest portion is left wide open and at the lower part of the shirt is knotted (using the two portions of the shirt). It is also common to tie a handkerchief or bandana around one's forehead and/or wrist.
Loud clapping and whistling by spectators often accompanies the Dappaankuthu dance. Spectators are also known to set off firecrackers called locally as "Pattaasu" on the ground during the performance.
Facial expressions are employed for effect by the dancers. For example, the tongue, folded over and held in position with the front teeth, is brought out at regular intervals.
In Male Mahadeshwara hill, the music for this dance will be played for money, and the believers can dance for longer time. Particularly in this hill, there is a saying that god feels happy if his believers dance for him.
The dance is performed during funerals and some dramas.
[edit] In popular culture
The genre has been used in several films of Tamil cinema, and was noticeably used in songs "Boyz" and "Bird Flu" by M.I.A. on her 2007 album Kala.
List of Dappankuttu songs
Aathichoodi, Jimbalakka, Bambara Kannaley, Dai Namma kaatula (Pattiyal), Madura veeranthane (Dhool)
Otha Sollala (Aadukalam) (Dinesh Kumar (choreographer), National Award Winner for Best Choreography)
Jurys' Comments : This National Award for Best Choreography is awarded to Dinesh Kumar "For the Native Charm and Innovative Design in the Art of Choreography that creates an Effervescent Energy in the Spectator".
Vandanam Ayya Vandam (Eesan) (Dinesh, Choreographer)
Thirupathi Ezhumalai Venkatasa.. (Prabhu Deva, Choreographer)
