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Mohiniattam is a solo dance from Kerala performed by women
using techniques from Bharatnatyam and Kathakali. It is
a product of of the diverse social and cultural characteristics
introduced by invading rulers from neighbouring Tamil
Nadu and Kerala. While originally from Tamil Nadu, where
it developed as a temple dance, it spread with the ebb
and flow of marauding armies hundreds of years ago to
what is now known as Kerala. Mohiniattam evolved as a
classical artform in the court of the Maharaja Swatitirunnal
of Kerala, and was developed particularly by Vadivelu,
one of the founding brothers of Bharatnatyam. While a
mix of Bharatnatyam and Kathakali styles, Mohiniattam
draws upon social and secular themes rather than religious
mythology.
As a female only Keralian classical dance form, Mohiniattam
is distinct from Kathakali which is performed by males
only. Movement patterns are flowing, graceful and liquid,
and the body moves in semi-circular curves from the
waist upwards. Hand gestures and expressions, however,
are similar to those of Kathakali. Costumes usually
consist of a choli (a large headscarf) and a white sari
with a gold border, worn so that a pleated fan is formed
like an apron in front of the waist. Hair is tied in
a bun to the side of the head and flowers worn around
it. A gold waistband and jewellery are used. These distinguishing
features give Mohiniattam its distinctively feminine,
graceful character.
Mohiniattam is performed to verbal notations which
are sung by a female voice, adding to the ambience of
elegance. Music is in the Carnatic mode and the principal
instruments are the mridangam, flute and cymbals.
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