Kerala Classical Dances

The classical dance forms of Kerala are characterized by their deliberate attempt at artistry. These dances of Kerala are mainly structured on the principles stated by the scriptures and technical texts on dance. Some (Koodiyattam, Kathakali etc.) are dance drama, others (e.g. Thullal, Mohiniyattam) are solo dances. The signs and gestures of the dance are based on Natya Shastra of Bharata.

Koodiyattam

Koodiyattam literally means dancing together. The predominant element is abhinaya (acting). This has been probably the original form of Sanskrit drama and is strictly according to the tenets of Bharata. Koodiyattam is believed to be the oldest dance drama in existence in India. The accompanying musical instruments are different types of drums, the conch and different types of pipes.

The female roles are enacted by women belonging to Chakkiyar-Nambiar caste (called Nangiyar). The make-up of the performer is elaborate and a drama may extend through several nights. The mizhavu, a huge earthen or copper drum with a skin covering its single face, is played by Chakkiyar-Nambiar and the cymbal accompaniment by a varyiar.

Thulllal

Thullal is one of the solo dances of Kerala. The poet Kunchan Nambiar is considered the father of this art form. The wit and humor in the simple Malayalam songs make this art the most popular dance form of Kerala. Dance is the predominant element of the performance. It includes rhythmic movements of the body with occasional vigorous footsteps. Based on the costumes and the dance forms Thullal is divided into Ottan, Seethankan and Parayan.

In Ottan Thullal the costume is impressive. A red festoon of cloth made up into knee length skirt and a crown and a chest plate of various colored beads, glass and tinsel are essential parts of the costume. The face is always painted and the eyes are darkened with black eye liner. The songs are of various tempos and the dance is vigorous.

In Seethankan Thullal, the ornaments are made up of fresh tender coconut fronds. The face has no coloration except for the blackening of the eyelids. The songs and the footsteps are slower than in the Ottan Thullal.

In Parayan Thullal, the costumes are made up of red flowers. The face is painted yellow and the head is covered with a black cloth. In performance the dance element is almost non existent; instead the performer explains the words through gestures. The main feature of this dance form of Kerala is the lyrics, which incorporates acute social criticism. Maddalam (drum) and chelanka (anklets worn by the dancer) are the accompanying instruments in Thullal.

Mohiniyattam

Mohiniyattam is a seductive dance form of Kerala performed by women. Mohini means ‘seductress’ and attam means ‘dance’ and so the lasya element of the dance form, with the mood being sringara (passion), is the dominant form. The dance is performed strictly in accordance with the Natya Shastra and features nritta (pure dance) and nritya (expressional dance). The music which accompanies this dance form is in the classical Carnatic style. It is said that it had its origin in the Dasiaattam, the dance of the temple courtesans, and was refined on the lines of Bharat Natyam during the reign of Swati Tirunal.

Kathakali

Kathakali is the best classical dance forms of Kerala and has been described in several references (e.g. A.S. Menon 1978). It is a stylish Kerala Classical Dance which is famous for its make-up of the characters, splendid costumes, gestures and refined body movements performed with the tune of the playback music and rhythm of the drum. Kathakali dances of Kerala has some similarities shared with the classical arts like Krishnanattam, Koodiyatam, and it borrowed some elements from the ritualistic arts like Theyyam, Padayani, Thiyattu, etc.

The five elements of fine art which combine in this Kerala Classical Dance is:
Expressions (Natyam, facial expressions), dance (Nritham, the component of dance with movements of body, hands and legs), enactment (Nrithyam, mudras or hand gestures which are component of drama), Song (Geetha) and instrument (Vadyam).

Krishnanattom

Krishnanattom is a 16th century mosaic of classical and folk dance forms of Kerala that the Zamorin of Kozhikode modeled on Jayadeva’s Geeta Govindam. A vision of Sree Krishna gifting the Zamorin a peacock feather was the source of inspiration for the Krishnageeti, the next that provides the base for Krishnanattom. A complete performance of Krishnanattom spans eight days covering Avataram, Kaliyamardanam, Rasakrida, Swayamvaram, Banayudham, Vivadavadhan and Swargarohanam, episodes from Sree Krishna’s life. The conclusion is with a birth (Avataram) in order to end on a happy note.

Heavily rooted in dance movements, Krishnanattom revel change in mood and expression of the character through dance, with little use of hand gestures (mudra). Body movements, drawn from martial arts, make it more brisk.

The costumes represent the characters played by the performers. As an art form it is limited to the Guruvayur temple, where devotees donate for each day of the performance as an offering.