*** Kerala Dance Forms***

Kerala Dance Forms
Kerala boasts of centuries of tradition and cultural heritage. The rich repertoire of Kerala's dance-forms is one of the most cogent evidence of its myriad culture and tradition. Throughout history dance has been a part of ceremony, rituals, celebrations and entertainment in Kerala. Many dance forms of Kerala are among the most graceful and beautiful in the world. These dance forms are reflections of the diverse religious and cultural traditions of Kerala. The dance forms of Kerala can be divided into roughly three types - folk dances, dance dramas and semi-classical dances. Kathakali, the best known dance form of Kerala is one of the most fascinating dance-drama in the world.
Kathakali





Originated over 500 years ago, Kathakali is a spectacular classical dance form of Kerala. It is a combination of drama, dance, music and ritual. Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world. The word 'Katha' in Malayalam means Story and 'kali' means Play. Thus Kathakali literally means 'Story-Play'.
Koodiyattam





Koodiyattam is the earliest classical dramatic art form of Kerala. Evidence show that this dance form was in vogue in all major temples from ninth century, and it became a full-fledged dramatic presentation before the fifteenth century. Koodiyattam literally means "acting together". Koodiyattam used to be a combined dance drama conducted by the Chakkiyars (a caste among Hindus), who provided the male cast and the Nangiars (women of the Nambiyar caste), playing the female roles.
Duffmuttu





Duffmuttu (also known as Aravanmuttu or Arbanamuttu) is a dance form particular to the Muslim community of Kerala. The origin of Duffmutt can be traced back to the Arabs. It is still accompanied by Arabic music. The name Duffmuttu is attributed to the use of an instrument called duff or tap. Daff is a round percussion instrument with one side covered with hide and is used to produce rhythm.
Theyyam





Theyyam other wise known as Kaliyattam or Thirayattam, is one of the most outstanding folk arts of Kerala. Just as the name Kaliyattam indicates, it is a sacred ritual dance performed to glorify the goddess Kaali. The term 'Theyyam' is supposed to be the corrupt form of the Malayalam word 'Daivam', meaning God.It earned the name Thirayattam as every thira or village performed this ritualistic art at the village temple known as kaavu.
Thullal




The word 'Thullal' means 'Caper' or 'to leap or jump about playfully'. This art form emerged in the eighteenth century. A solo performance combining both dance and recitation, thullal is the explication of a tale - normally drawn from the puranas, narrated in verse.
Oppana




Oppana is a dance form specific to the Muslim community of Kerala. Oppana is usually a bridal group dance performed the day before the wedding day. It is a dance form essential to the wedding entertainment and festivities of the Muslims especially in the Malabar region of Kerala. Oppana is generally presented by young female relatives of the bride, who sing and dance around the bride clapping their hands.
Kaikottikali




Kaikottikkali, also known as Thiruvathirakali, is a very popular group dance of Kerala. Thiruvathirakali is performed by the women of Hindu community, often during festive seasons like Onam and the Thiruvathira day in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December- January).
Margamkali





Margamkali is a very ancient and the most popular artistic performance prevalent among the Syrian Christians of Kerala. Margamkali is performed mainly by men on festive occasions, especially during the time of marriage.
Thitambu Nritham



North Kerala has many rich art traditions, of which "Thitambu Nritham" is one. It is mainly performed by Namboothiris of this part of Kerala, and rarely other Braahmanan communities, say for example, Embranthiris.

Traditional dance forms of kerala.

Kadhakali




Kerala is a traditional place and the people are proud of their rich heritage and culture. A very lively example of that is the fact that folk dance in Kerala is still very much prevalent and is performed with as much zest as it used to be in the earlier days. In Kerala, traditional dance is given as much importance as education or any other important realm of life. Parents make it a point that kids are well versed in atleast one form of fine arts. The people of Kerala have art in their blood and performing arts is also the livelihood of many people. The dances of Kerala are brilliant in nature and usually depict scenes from ancient mythology.

The costume and make up are extensive in nature and can take upto 5 hours to be applied on a single participant. The colors used for make up have their own significance and are made up of natural products mixed with coconut oil so as to form a paste. Expert make-up artists then apply these colors with much precision on the faces of the dancers.

The music that accompanies these dances are either instrumental or are sung by people who give the beats. The major dances that we have covered are kathakali, krishnattam and mohiniattam. You shall also find information on kalaripayattu, which is an ancient form of martial art. You shall find details regarding these dance forms in our related sections.

Kadhakali Dance





Kathakali dance is a traditional dance form of Kerala. In Kerala, the Kathakalli dance form is often known as the King of theater performances. The long hours of make-up, the elaborate and colorful make up, the heavily adorned costumes, all contribute towards making this dance form certainly larger than life. This traditional Kathakali dance form is a very aggressive dance, with no delicate and subtle movements. The actions are powerful and require high amounts of energy to perform. This is also one reason why males play the characters of females as well. It is said that this dance form has evolved over a period of 300 years.

The Kathakali dance basically means story telling. The scenes that are enacted are emoted with much vigor and vitality to bring life to the myths and legends. This dance form highlights complex body movements and facial expressions. The characters they enact seem so real, that at some point during the performance you will feel as though they have swapped their real identities with the characters. Since these complex and intricate body movements require suppleness of muscles, the Kathakali performers have to undergo special massage for their arms, necks and faces. Since the music does not have lyrics, the dance is performed on drum beats and other instruments.

The make-up is very fine and minute details are taken care of. The make-up of a single character can takes hours together. The costumes comprise of heavy multi layered skirt, heavy ornaments and an elaborate headgear. The make up is done according to 5 main types of characters. Each color has its own importance and highlights the significance of the character and the dominant role of that character. The 5 main types of make up are:

• Pacha (Green): The color green is used for noble characters.
• Kathi (Knife): This make up is used to portray villainous characters.
• Kari (Black): Black colored make up is used for demonesses.
• Minukku (Prettying Up): This make up is used for female characters and sages.
• Thadi (Beard): Some characters require a beard and the bearded look is again of 3 types:

Kalaripayattu



Kalaripayattu is an ancient form of martial art of Kerala dating back to almost 2000 years. It is from Kerala kalaripayattu martial art that other forms of martial arts were developed in China. This martial art derives its name from two words, "kalari" which means arena of the fighters and "payattu" which means practice. In ancient times, warriors used to tackle opponents by kalari payattu martial art of Kerala. Many times, conflicts between landlords and other chiefs were settled by swift attacks of kalaripayattu.

Kalaripayattu is not kicking and punching. It requires a unique synchronization of mind and body. Along with energy, there should be flexibility of the body and sharp focus of the mind. One should be aggressive but not angry. A person performing kalaripayattu needs to have agile muscles and for that, massage with ayurvedic oils is a must. Also, one should not go to the aggressive movements all at once. One should start slowly with yoga and other exercises that warm up the body and make it easier to perform the aggressive movements with swiftness and dexterity.

Kalaripayattu is learnt in four stages. The first stage involves increasing the flexibility of the body. The student learns to twist, jump and flex his/her arms that will help when learning the next stage. The second stage involves learning how to handle wooden sticks and other wooden weapons. The third stage involves handling metal weapons. The final stage involves fighting with bare hands. The students are taught arm locks, wrestling and defense. Not only does one master the art of fighting, but also learns how to treat injuries and heal bruises and cuts by learning Ayurveda

Krishnattam Dance

Krishnattam dance is another form of Kathakali, representing the various life stages of Lord Krishna. In Kerala, krishnanattam dance form still flourishes in the famous Guruvayoor Temple and other temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. The traditional Krishnattam dance is enacted as a series of 8 plays indicating the 8 main stages of lord Krishna's life. These 8 stages are:

• Avataram
• Kaliyamardanam
• Rasakrida
• Kamsavadham
• Swayamvaram
• Banayuddham
• Vividavadham
• Swargarohanam

The dancers use an elaborate set of gestures and movements and the make up is similar to that of kathakali. The dancer expresses himself through these elaborate movements and gestures. The dances are usually performed by a group of artists instead of solo performers. The music is usually sung by singers and each line is repeated several times to give the artists ample time to express themselves as vividly as they can.


Mohiniattam Dance





Mohiniattam dance is a very expressive form of dance of Kerala. It is made of two words, "mohini" and "attam". Mohini refers to a beautiful lady and attam means dance. So this traditional Mohiniattam dance form basically means the dance of an enchantress. In Kerala, classical mohiniatam dance form evolved centuries back under the influence of the great king of Travancore, Swati Tirunal. This king was a great patronage of fine arts and encouraged artists from all over India to perform in his court.

The make up and costume of a dancer is very simple yet beautiful. Emphasis is laid on eye make up since most expressions involve emoting through eyes. The color of the costume is usually white or off-white with a golden or a red border. The hair is done up in a bun on the side just above the ear and is decorated with flowers. The jewellery is usually an elaborate pair of earrings and a choker for neck, teamed with a long necklace of coins. Legend has it that Lord Vishnu assumed the form of a gorgeous heavenly enchantress called Mohini to derive the "Pot of Amrit" (potion for immortality), which was in possession of the Demons. He seduced the demons in the form of the divine seductress and somehow managed to get hold of the pot. The dance that was performed to mesmerize the demons is now called "Mohiniattam".

The music is usually classical carnatic, typical of south Indian variations and style of music. It is sung by trained singers or the teacher who teaches the performers to dance. This beautiful style of dance involves the use of eye movements that are sensual yet does not provoke the viewer but enchants in such a way that it is not overt. The idea is to charm without being offensive. The fluttering eye lashes, the curved eye brows and the captivating eyes all enchant the viewers and take them to a virtual paradise!

manasa
good job

Hi manassa
Nice thread!!
Congrates
Seeing the thiruvathira and Oppana, just i was remembering my college days.
eh i have a doubt, is kaikottikali and thiuvathira same?
Shiji

This Thiruvathirakali is is a very popular dance form of Kerala, It is usually performed in connection with the Native festival called Onam and Thiruvathira. The festival Thiruvathira comes in Dhanu Maasam (January). Thiruvathirakali is also called as "Kaikottikali".According to Hindu mythology, Parvati performed rigorous penances in order to win Shiva as her husband. Shiva, pleased with her commitment agreed to take Parvati as his wife on this vary day of Thiruvathira. Therefore, on this day, married and unmarried women perform the dance yearning for the well-being of their husband and for acquiring a good husband respectively. It is a kind of ritual performed to ensure happy and harmonious marital life.

This festival is exclusively for womenfolks, and only women are allowed to perfom this "thiruvathirakali".On the day of Thiruvathira, women take an early bath and get dressed in traditional attire (Mundu and Veshti). They take noyambu (fast) on that day and have only non-rice food. In the evening, they perform the dance and decorate their hair with Pathirapoovu (a kind of flower). This is a group dance and steps in this dance are very simple but elegant. 5 to 7girls will stand in a circle around a lighted brass lamp, and dance each step to the rhythm of the songs they sing, clapping their hands. These special songs for thiruvathira is calledThiruvaathirappattu.

Kaikottikkali spreads the message of joy and also brings out the emotions of a married woman towards her beloved and of the unmarried woman longing for one. The dance form involves very graceful and simple steps that highlights the essence of Kerala's beauty. The tune and the lyrics are very sweet, simple and are related in many ways to everyday life.