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