Introduction
Kerala is a land of rich cultural heritage and has strong bonds with music and dance. Kerala's performing arts showcase magnificent visual effects and incomparable creativity. Dances of Kerala are a feast to the eyes of the tourists. Many of the dance forms of Kerala have deep roots in Indian history and Hindu mythology.
Some of the significant forms of dances of Kerala are
Kathakali – is a 300 year old dance form which is an amalgam of ballet, opera, masque and pantomime. It is believed to have evolved from other forms of performance like Kootiyattam, Krishnanattam and Kalarippayattu. This dance form enacts stories from the Puranas and Indian epics.
Chavittunatakom – evolved in the 16 th century, this is a Christian art form. The dance drama is believed to have traces of Christian Miracle Plays. The actors wear Greco-Roman costumes and the props used also show western influence.
Oppana – this dance form is particularly performed during weddings and festivities of the Malabar Muslim community. Young girls and maidens of the bride's family sing and dance around her.
Krishnanattom – is a unique dance form where the use of bright hue and large masks distinguish certain actors from the others.
Mohiniyattom – is a distinguished classical form of dance in Kerala. The movements of the dance, depicting an enchantress are slow and graceful. The gestures are extremely emotive and expressive. The costume is usually white or ivory colored with gold filigree.
Kakkarissi Natakom – is a satirical dance form depicting scenes from the lives of legends like Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati when they assumed human forms as part of a nomadic tribe of fortune tellers. They were known as Kakkalan and Kakkathi. It often assumes the form of a social satire.
Thiruvathirakali – this dance form is performed by women in an attempt to attain everlasting marital bliss. The dance upholds marital fidelity and female energy which is believed to have brought life back to Kamadeva, the god of love after he was reduced to ashes by Lord Shiva.
Thullal – introduced by well known poet Kunchan Nambiar in the 18 th century, it is a solo dance performance which includes recitation of stories in verse. It is usually performed during temple festivals. Themes of the performance are taken from Indian mythology.
Kootiyattam – is the earliest form of classical dance which means ‘acting together'. It is based on Sage Bharatha's ‘Natyasasthra'. It is only acted inside the temple theatre.
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