Mohiniyattam

MOHINIYATTAM

Dance in India has an unbroken tradition of over 2000 years.Two main divisions of its forms are classical and folk. The classical dance form explains the Indian art of acting.The Sangeet Natak Akademi currently confers classical status on eight Indian classical dance styles: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, and Sattriya.Each dance form is special with its nature and attire.

Mohiniyattam is originated in Kerala. The theme of Mohiniyatam dance is love and devotion to god.Vishnu or Krishna is most often the hero. The spectators can feel the invisible presence of god when the heroine details dreams and ambitions through circular movements, delicate footsteps and skilful expressions.Through slow nd medium tempos, the dancer is able to find adequate space for imorovisations and suggestive bhavas.

The basic dance steps are the Adavus which are of four kinds:Taganam,Jaganam,Dhaganamand sammisram.These names are originated from the nomenclature called Vattari.

The Mohiniyattam dancer maintains realistic make up and simple costumes compared to other dance forms such as Kathakali.The dancer is attired in a beautiful white saree with golden border kasavu ,with a distinctive white jasmine flowersaround a french bun at the side of her head.