Mohiniyattam

Mohiniyattam is the dance of The God’s own Country Kerala. Mohiniyattam means dance of Enchantress. It has a mesmorising effect with the half white costume with golden zari work with golden ornaments. It is performed with highly graceful movements with medium tempo which contributes to this aesthetic effect.
Mohiniyattam is characterized by swaying movements of the upper body with legs placed in a stance similar to the plie position. The eyes play an important role in accenting the direction of the movement.
Literature is found about Mohiniyattam in the texts of eighteenth century. The practical aspect of the style revived in the reign of Maharaja Swathi Tirunal, a ruler in 19th century who was a great art lover. With his effort it became a solo dance tradition with musical compositions set in carnatic style of music.
Later, in the twentieth century, the great poet Vallathol established the Kerala Kalamandalam to promote the arts of Mohiniattam and Kathakali. Here, further research was done and Mohiniattam was codified and revived.
Over the past few decades, the repertoire of Mohiniattam has been developed and expanded by dedicated performers who have ensured that this beautiful dance style retains a distinct identity among the classical dance styles of India. Apart from mythology, Mohiniattam contains a range of themes from nature.