Classical
Mohiniyattam is a dance form said to have originated in Kerala. This classical solo dance form combines the graceful elegance of Bharatanatyam with the vigour and dynamism of Kathakali, to create a mood that is predominantly Sringara (erotic). The dance is usually performed on specially put up stages in connection with temple festivals. The hair is gathered and put up at the side of the head and adorned with jasmine, in the traditional style. Swathithirunal, the king of erstwhile Travancore helped a lot to encourage and stabilize this art form. It was Vallathol, who revived it and gave it a status in modern times, through Kerala Kalamandalam. Kalamandalam Kalyaniyamma was instrumental in resuscitating this ancient art form, which is trying to acquire an identity and classical status of its own.
Kathakakli is the classical dance drama of Kerala based on the guidelines laid in the Natya Sastra. This elaborate art form is usually begins in the evenings and continues till dawn. It is an inherent part of all temple and cultural festivals in Kerala. The costumes and makeup are ornamental, colourful and elaborate so that the gestures and expressions of the performer are easily seen and understood. The performers do not speak or sing but enact the story through hand gestures, graceful body movements and facial expressions especially of the eyes. The themes of this dance form are from rich and vibrant mythology of Indian culture. Music is an essential feature of Kathakali and two vocalists are there who sing to the beats of a chengila (gong), elathalam (small cymbals), chenda and maddalam.
Chakyarkoothu, also called koothu, is one of the oldest classical theatre arts of Kerala. It is a solo dance is usually performed in the koothambalam of temples to the accompaniment of the mizhavu and elathalam. The performance starts with the invocation of the presiding deity of the temple. The narration of the story, generally picked from the Epics, is portrayed with the thandava dance movements, gestures and facial expression according to the guidelines given in the Natya Sastra. Koothu is marked for the presence of comic element, which adds to its dramatic character. The costume worn during the performance is colourful and unconventional with an unusual headgear.
Koodiyattam, literally means "acting together", is the earliest classical dramatic art form of Kerala which evolved in the 9th century AD. Kootiyattam is enacted inside the temple theatre, there are two or more characters onstage at the same time, with the Chakkiars providing the male cast and the Nangiars playing the female roles. The Nangiars beat the cymbals and recite verses in Sanskrit, while in the background Nambiars play the Mizhavu, a large copper drum.
Vidushaka or the wise man, a figure parallel to the Fool in Shakespearean plays, enacts his role with the liberty to criticise anyone without fear. The costume of the jester sets him apart from the rest. The Kootiyattam performance lasts for several days ranging from 6 to 20 days. Themes are based on mythology.
The Koodal Manickyam temple at Irinjalakkuda and the Vadakkumnatha temple at Thrissur are the main centres where Kootiyattam is still performed annually. Ammannoor Madhava Chakkiar is an unrivalled maestro of this rare art.
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Folk
Oppana a bridal dance performed by Muslim Girls of North Kerala and in Lakshadweep. Friends and other girls of the bride's age sing to the rhythm of clapping hands in fast tempo and dance teasing the bride on the eve of marriage preparing her for the ceremony doing her face make up, manicuring and applying henna on the palms and feet. This is an occasion of great celebration and merriment and all arrive attired in gorgeous costumes.
Sometimes, Oppana is also presented by males to entertain the bridegroom. It usually takes place just before the bridegroom leaves for the bride's residence where the Nikkaah (marriage) takes place or at the time he enters the Maniyara. Harmonium, Tabla, Ganjira and Elathaalam are the musical instruments employed for this performance. Only the Mappilapaattu will be sung on the occasion.
Theyyam is a ritualistic dance with its rare and grotesque make-up and costume, lively foot work, gymnastic fervour and ritualistic vitality. Theyyam represents a glorious period of folk life in Kerala and the souls of the dead heroes of the land and the gods and goddesses are supposed to come in our midst through the medium of the possessed dancers and converse with us on matters of even contemporary significance. It is the worship of spirits by invoking them to the mortal body of the dancer who impersonates them and gives blessing to the believers. Theyyam evolves from Kaliyattam practiced by aboriginal tribes of northern regions of the state. Kaliyattam is an annual festival attached to the shrines known by the names like Muchilod, Kavu, Palliyara, Mundya, Tanam, and Madhapura all in the districts of Kannur.
Poorakkali is a folk dance prevalent among the 'Thiyyas' of Malabar, usually performed in Bhagavathy temples as a ritual offering during the month of Meenam (March - April). Poorakkali requires specially trained and highly experienced dancers quite thorough with all the techniques and feat of Kalaripayattu, a system of physical exercise formerly vogue in Kerala. Standing round the traditional lamp, the performers dance in eighteen different stages and rhythm, each phase being called a Niram.
Thiruvathirakali also known as Kaikottikali is a very popular, graceful and symmetric group dance of the women folk of Kerala, performed during festive seasons like Onam and Thiruvathira. It is a simple and gentle dance. Typically dressed in Kerala style, the women move in a circle singing and clapping hands. Thiruvathira songs are well reputed for their literary flourish. Only women are allowed to perform "thiruvathirakali". On the day of Thiruvathira, women take an early bath and get dressed in traditional attire. 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 called Thiruvaathirappattu
Thullal is a solo performance combining the dance and recitation of stories in verse. Staged during temple festivals, the performer explicates the verses through expressive gestures. The themes are based on mythology. The renowned poet Kunchan Nambiar introduced this satiric art form in the 18th century. Humor, satire and social criticism are the hallmarks of Thullal. The make up, though simple, is very much akin to that of Kathakali. The Thullal dancer is supported by a singer who repeats the verses and is accompanied by an orchestra of Mridangam or Thoppi Maddalam (percussions) and Cymbals. There are three related forms of Thullal - Ottanthullal, Seethankanthullal and Parayanthullal - of which the first is the most popular. The three are distinguished by the costumes worn and from the verses. Thullal is usually performed in the premises of temples during festivals and provides for thought and entertainment to the thousands of people who gather at these events.
Kalaripayattu is the complete system of martial arts of Kerala. It is considered as one of the oldest and most scientific martial arts in the world. The training of Kalaripayattu aims at the perfect co-ordination of body and mind and the traditional training in a Kalari include specialization in the indigenous medical practices too. Kalaris are also centers of religious worship.
As a folk art mainly of the agrarian classes, Kolkkali is a highly rhythmic dance with the dancers wielding short sticks. The rhythm of this dance is set by a harmonious synchronization of the tapping of the feet to the striking of sticks. The movement is circular and the artists sing as they dance and strike the sticks in unison. The dance goes from slow to a fast tempo creating an interesting climax. There are diverse choreographic patterns in the dance. Though the dancers break away to form different patterns, they never miss a beat.
Among the performing arts of Christians, Margamkali deserves special mention. It is a group dance developed by the Syrian Christians of Kerala. The word 'Margam', means path, way, religion or creed. The real source of inspiration for Margamkali was Kalaripayattu, which was very popular when the Christian community had developed the form. The art was meant for the propagation of Christian religious ideas. The form of the art was the result of direct inspiration from the indigenous culture. The dancers play in a circle around a lighted oil lamp while singing themselves. There are no accompanying instruments. The leader of the troupe or tutor known as 'Asan' leads the song and the group repeats the same and dances. The language used in the songs of Margamkali reveals its relation with old Tamil