| Centuries old Kerala Dance Forms are noted for the | | | | perform this. |
| variety, youthfulness and charm. Some Kerala dance | | | | Koodiyattam: This dance form of Kerala is the oldest |
| forms like Kathakali is world renowned, and a dance | | | | of its kind and was evolved in the seventh century |
| form Koodiyattom is recognized by UNESCO as | | | | AD. It is an offering to deity. Mythological themes are |
| human heritage art. All Kerala dance forms and dance | | | | played. |
| forms of India are based on the instructions of | | | | Theyyam: There are more than 300 variations for |
| 'NatyaSastra', the science of acting, which can be | | | | this Kerala dance form, which is characterized by the |
| attributed to Sire Bharata who lived some 20 | | | | praising of Goddess for her victory over evil forces. |
| centuries ago. He described 'navarasangal' or the nine | | | | Female roles are also handled by men, who wear |
| emotions viz. Sringaram (Love and seduction), | | | | colorful ritual attire for performing this temple dance |
| Roudram (Aggressive), Hasyam (Humorous), | | | | form. The headgear and attire are both colorful and |
| Bhayanakam (Frightening), Veeram (Courage), Karuna | | | | attractive. |
| (Compassion), Adbhutam (Wonder) and Shantam | | | | Thiruvathira or ThiruvathiraKali. This is a dance |
| (Peace). Kerala dance forms seem to draw a narrow | | | | performed by women on Thiruvathira day of the |
| line between male and female performers. | | | | Malayalam month, Dhanu. Eight to 12 women of any |
| The main dance forms of Kerala are: | | | | age circles around a 'nilavilakku', a traditional oil lamp |
| Kathakali: This is divine dance form of Kerala, noted | | | | with many wicks, for Thiruvathira Dancing. It is |
| for the minute expression of emotions and colorful | | | | believed to bring blessings to their family life. |
| costumes. Kathakali is considered the art of Gods, | | | | The Myth Behind this unique Kerala Dance Form: |
| and epical episodes are performed as a play. In earlier | | | | Rathi Devi, Goddess of love regained the life of |
| times it took many days for the completion of a play. | | | | Kamadeva, the God of Love who was charred to |
| Expression of emotions and narration is based on | | | | ashes by the fearsome anger of Lord Shiva. Rathi |
| 'Mudras' or hand signals, and facial expression of | | | | Devi successfully made a case with Lord Shiva to |
| navarasa, the nine emotions. Traditionally only men | | | | give Kamadeva his life. Thus ThiruvathiraKali |
| performed this Kerala dance form and they dressed | | | | represents the fidelity of marital relation and |
| like women for female characters usually Goddesses. | | | | determination of female soul. |
| The costumes are heavy and it almost takes a full | | | | Oppana: This dance form is the peculiarity of Malabar |
| day to complete the make-up process. Characteristic | | | | Muslim weddings in Kerala. On the wedding day eve, |
| masks, crowns and attire more than double the size | | | | friends and relatives (mainly young maidens) throng |
| of the performer. | | | | around the bride, clapping their hands and dancing to |
| Mohiniyattom: This Kerala dance form literally means | | | | some nice music. The songs are usually called as |
| the dance of an enchantress. Mohini means the | | | | Mappilappattu. Through the songs, the young women |
| women who tempts and Aattom means dance. | | | | tease the bride and bless her for the happiness in her |
| Attired with white or ivory dress with golden | | | | new life. Oppana is a performed as a stage item also. |
| borders, the dancer takes a majestic look. | | | | Kolkali: This Kerala dance form belongs to the agrarian |
| Mohiniyattom is noted for the slow movements and | | | | classes. Kolkali literally means playing with stick. Men |
| highly emotive eye gestures. The origin of | | | | bear short sticks on each hand. The dancers |
| Mohiniyattom is attributed to Lord Vishnu, who | | | | harmoniously move around in circles, form different |
| impersonated as Mohini (an enchanting woman) to | | | | combinations, dance and rhythmically strike two short |
| seduce Asuras and take back Amrit, the medicine | | | | sticks. This is an exclusive item for men. |
| that gives immortality from them. | | | | Krishnanattom : Krishnanattom is almost an extinct |
| Mohiniyattom was performed in Kerala temples and | | | | dance form of Kerala. One dance is completed over |
| palaces of Kerala. | | | | eight days, and is characterized by rich colors, big |
| Koothu (Chakyar Koothu): This Kerala dance form is | | | | masks, and thick facial make-ups. Krishanattom as |
| performed only in selected place called Koothambalam | | | | the name suggests is the play on the life of Lord Sri |
| associated with Kerala temples. Koothu in Malayalam | | | | Krishna. Krishnattom resembles Kathakali. |
| means dance. Only members of the 'Chakyar' caste | | | | |