Classical Dance Forms of Kerala - Mohiniyattom

About Mohiniyattom

Mohinyattom is a dance of the charmer.  It is a seductive dance performed by women, sensuous in appeal. Mohini means the temptress, a character in Hindhu mythology and Attom means dance. Being parallel to the Bharatanatyam of Tamil Nadu, Mohiniyattom dance is performed only by women. In Mohiniyattom, the symmetrical patterns of emotion flow in balanced nuances with smooth footwork, somewhat quickened body movements and special music.

The technique of Mohiniyattom lies in between Kathakali and Bharathanatyam. Combining the formal grace and elegance of Bharathanatyam, with the earthy vigour and dynamism of Kathakali, Mohiniyattom presents delicate expressions of the one with the stylised eye movements and co-ordinates the instinct with charm, subtle allure and seductive appeal. In the rendering of this style there is enchantment, grace, delicacy and passion. There are no abrupt jerks or leaps in Mohiniyattom nor is their any inordinately hard stamping of the foot. The gesture language of Mohiniyattom is largely similar to that of Bharathanatyam but it also incorporates elements from Kathakali tradition. The music for the dance is pure carnatic classical. 
 
Mohiniyattom is mainly the Lasya dance performed strictly according to scriptures of Natya Shastra.  It is a lovely fusion of the parallel streams of dance in the eastern and western regions of South India. The presentation styles of Mohiniyattom comprise of the Cholkettu, the Varnam, the Padam, the Thillana, the Kaikottikkali, the Kummi and the Swaram. The predominant mood of Mohiniyattom is Sringaram.

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