Kerala Dance Forms

"Kerala Dance Forms"," Some Kerala dance forms like Kathakali is world renowned, and a dance form Koodiyattom is recognized by UNESCO as human heritage art.
 He described 'navarasangal' or the nine emotions viz.
 Kerala dance forms seem to draw a narrow line between male and female performers.
 Kathakali is considered the art of Gods, and epical episodes are performed as a play.
 Expression of emotions and narration is based on 'Mudras' or hand signals, and facial expression of navarasa, the nine emotions.


The costumes are heavy and it almost takes a full day to complete the make-up process.


Mohiniyattom: This Kerala dance form literally means the dance of an enchantress.
 Attired with white or ivory dress with golden borders, the dancer takes a majestic look.
 The origin of Mohiniyattom is attributed to Lord Vishnu, who impersonated as Mohini (an enchanting woman) to seduce Asuras and take back Amrit, the medicine that gives immortality from them.


Koothu (Chakyar Koothu): This Kerala dance form is performed only in selected place called Koothambalam associated with Kerala temples.
 Only members of the 'Chakyar' caste perform this.
 It is an offering to deity.


Theyyam: There are more than 300 variations for this Kerala dance form, which is characterized by the praising of Goddess for her victory over evil forces.
 The headgear and attire are both colorful and attractive.
  This is a dance performed by women on Thiruvathira day of the Malayalam month, Dhanu.
 It is believed to bring blessings to their family life.
 Rathi Devi successfully made a case with Lord Shiva to give Kamadeva his life.


Oppana: This dance form is the peculiarity of Malabar Muslim weddings in Kerala.
 The songs are usually called as Mappilappattu.
 Oppana is a performed as a stage item also.
 Kolkali literally means playing with stick.
 The dancers harmoniously move around in circles, form different combinations, dance and rhythmically strike two short sticks.


Krishnanattom : Krishnanattom is almost an extinct dance form of Kerala.
 Krishanattom as the name suggests is the play on the life of Lord Sri Krishna.


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