Mohiniyattam, the female semi-classical dance form of Kerala is said
to be older than Kathakali. Literally, the dance of the enchantress,
Mohiniyattam was mainly performed in the temple precincts of Kerala
This classical dance form of Kerala was earlier performed by women
in temples, as an offering to their beloved God. It is a solo female
dance (in a single costume ) in which the striking features is the
musical melody and rhythmical swaying of the dancer from side to side
and the smooth and unbroken flow of the body movement. The dance is
focused essentially on feminine moods and emotions. The movements
may appear simple, but effort is required to capture the grace, suggestive
of ocean waves, as seen in goddess Mohini, the Enchantress. This dance
form exudes enchantment grace and passion. Mohiniyattam is a fusion
of ' Bharathanatyam ' and ' Kathakali ', as it combines the graceful
elegance of Bharatanatyam and dynamism and vigour of Kathakali. The
performances are done only by women. In Mohiniyattam, the Lasya element
of dancing is predominant, and the mood created is Sringaram (erotic)
Mohiniyattam literally means the 'Dance of the Temptress'.
Mohiniyattam in Kerala took shape in the tradition of Devadasi dance
and grew and developed a classical status. The word 'Mohini' literally
means a maiden who excites desire or steals the heart of the on looker.
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