Mohiniyattam

Mohiniyattam is Kerala's Bharatanatyam. The characteristic dance form of Kerala, this lively and rhythmic dance form exudes enchantment, grace and passion.
Performed only by women, Mohiniyattam combines the graceful elegance of Bharatanatyam and the dynamism and vigor of Kathakali. Mohiniyattam has several phases in its presentation.
The predominant mood created is "sringaram", erotic . It involves the gracious expressions of feminism and beauty.

Mohini is a temptress, who is a recurring character in Hindu mythology. 'Attam' means dance. And so, Mohiniyattam is a sensuous dance performed by women which is seductive in nature. The steps and techniques are somewhat similar to Kathakali. Prominence is given to lyrics. The key note of the dance is coquetry. The symmetrical patterns of emotion flow in balance with smooth footwork, somewhat quickened body movements and special music. Like the Bharathanatyam of Tamil Nadu, only women perform Mohiniyattam and the music is classical Carnatic.

As the name implies it is the dance of the charmer. Its origin is a matter of conjecture, but it remains a lovely fusion of the parallel streams of dance in the eastern and western regions of south India. Combining the formal grace and elegance of Bharathanatyam with the earthly vigour and dynamism of Kathakali, the petalled nritta hands of the one with the wide stance of the other, the delicate expressions of the one with the stylized eye movements of the other, it coordinates the instinct with charm, subtle allure and seductive appeal. In the rendering of this style there is enchantment, grace, delicacy and passion.

The technical structure of Mohiniyattam is fairly similar to that of Bharathanatyam. There are no abrupt leaps or jerks in Mohiniyattam nor is there any inordinately hard stamping of the foot. The gesture language of Mohiniyattam is largely similar to Bharathanatyam but it also incorporates elements from Kathakali tradition. And again, like Bharathanatyam, Mohiniyattam too has items on nritta, pure dance, as well as nritya, expressional dance.

Mohiniyattam is performed strictly according to scriptures of Natya Shastra. The repertoire of Mohiniyattam as it is presented now consists of Solkettu, Varnam, Padam and Thillana. Kaikottikali and Kummi are later additions. Because of the special type of instructions associated with it, the dance presents striking bodily poses, attitude and exquisitely graceful footwork. In its gestures and also with regard to the expression with the eye, Mohiniyattam is indebted to Kathakali.