“Kerala’s classical dance form mohiniyattam, the graceful dance tradition of kerala”
Elegance is its essence. Mohiniyattam flows like poetry—soft, feminine, and deeply expressive. Born in the temples of Kerala, it blends graceful movements with emotive storytelling, where every gesture evokes a verse, and every turn carries centuries of tradition.
01.
Graceful movements
Characterized by gentle, swaying movements called lasya, reflecting softness and feminine charm.
02.
Costume and appearance
-Dancers wear a white or off-white saree with golden borders (kasavu), along with simple yet elegant jewelry.
– Hair is typically gathered into a bun on the side, often decorated with jasmine flowers.
03.
Facial expression
Strong emphasis on abhinaya (expressive acting) to convey emotions and tell stories.
04.
Soft,circular footword
Steps are delicate and circular, with subtle foot stamping, unlike the vigorous footwork in some other dance forms.
05.
Music and rhythm
Performed to the soothing rhythms of traditional Carnatic music, often accompanied by instruments like mridangam, veena, and edakka.
06.
Themes and storytelling
Stories often draw from Hindu mythology, especially tales of love and devotion.
About
MOHINIYATTAM
Mohiniyattam is a beautiful classical dance form from Kerala, South India. The name comes from “Mohini,” which means enchantress, and “attam,” which means dance. This art form is known for its graceful, gentle movements and elegant costumes.
Mohiniyattam combines soft footsteps, curved body movements, and expressive hand gestures called mudras. It often tells stories from Indian mythology, especially about love and devotion. Dancers wear white and gold costumes with traditional jewelry and simple makeup, highlighting natural beauty.
This dance style reflects the calm, lasya aspect of dance and is performed mostly by women. With its unique blend of expression, rhythm, and tradition, Mohiniyattam is truly the dance of enchantment.
The Mother of
mohiniyattam
"Smt. Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma"
Smt. Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma was born in 1915 at Tirunavaya in Malappuram, Kerala, to Shri Panangad Govinda Menon and Smt. Karingamana Sreedevi Amma.
- Awards and Honors ;
- kavayithri(1940): Title awarded by poet Vallathol Narayana Menon for her contributions to poetry and dance.
- Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (1972): Fellowship from the National Academy for Performing Arts.
- Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award (1974): For outstanding contributions to Mohiniyattam.
- Kerala Kalamandalam Fellowship (1986): Fellowship from Kerala Kalamandalam.
- Kalidasa Samman (1997–1998): Prestigious national award for contributions to classical Indian dance.