Neo-Classical Dances of Kerala

About Neo-Classical Dances of Kerala like Meenakshinatakom and Chavittunatakom

The neoclassical dances of Kerala represent a delicate fusion of the folk and classical traditions of Kerala's dances. These dances retain not only the essential flavours of the folk and classical traditions but also project their distinctive individuality.

Meenakshinatakom

Meenakshinatakom is a crude dance drama which is popular in some parts of Palakkad district. This dance is said to have its origin earlier than Krishnanattom and Ramanattom. The dance is the Kerala counterpart for Teru koothu of Tamil Nadu, the Veedhinatakom of Andhra Pradesh and the Yakshagana of Karnataka. The lasya of Mohiniyattom and the thandava of Kathakali are well mixed in the dance sequence of Meenakshinatakom. The songs are all a mixture of Tamil and Malayalam. The make up and costumes bear considerable resemblance to that in Kathakali.

Chavittunatakom

Chavittunatakom is a new art form which has the Portuguese influence. It is rendered with songs, dialogues and dances, similar to the miracle plays of the West. The stage settings, introduction of curtains costumes, masks, etc., show the influence of the West. Some of the important plays are the Genoa, the Caralman Charitram, and the Nepoleon Charitram.