Dance Forms of Kerala

Kathakali

Kathakali, which means 'story play,' is a dance form that dates back four centuries. It is traditionally performed by men who don elaborate and visually striking traditional costumes and make-up. The artists portray characters from the Ramayana, the Puranas, and the Mahabharata.

My first Kathakali performance was at an art centre in Munnar. It was part of a two-hour show on many dance forms. My tour operator had given me a heads-up to pay special attention to the hand movements and facial expressions of the performers. Facial expressions and eye movements are integral to Kathakali. According to the guide, these dancers put in years of practice to perfect these skills.

The performers' faces were painted in eye-catching colours, and their eyes were lined in black to enhance their shape. I was told that it takes about four hours for a dancer's make-up! After all, there was the elaborate headgear, face painting, ornaments, nails, and a colourful outfit involved.

Another thing that stood out was the billowing skirt, which resembled a mini-tent around the waist of the performer. At first, I thought the dancer was holding it up with his hands. But I later realised that there was a small tent-like structure placed around the hips of the dancer before the skirt was added on top.

A Kathakali performance typically has 6-8 people on stage. Of these, some play instruments, which include three different kinds of drums. There are no vocals in the performance. The dancers perform to the drum beats and narrate the story through hand gestures and facial expressions. Avoid watching this performance with toddlers. The drums can be loud and may unsettle them.

Did you know?

It takes a Kathakali dancer about 12 years of training to master the art form.

Mohiniyattam

Mohiniyattam is another one of the older dance forms from Kerala. The word 'Mohiniyattam' means 'maiden’s dance,' performed exclusively by women. While most performances are solo acts, there are group performances as well. Mohiniyattam uses elements of Kathakali and Bharatnatyam (Tamil Nadu). The costumes are typically white with gold borders or patterns, and the dancers wear simple gold jewellery.

A distinct feature of the outfit is a jasmine garland worn on the head.

I was introduced to Mohiniyattam at a cultural show in Mumbai. A solo dancer dressed in a white saree-like dress with golden borders came onto the stage. While another artist narrated the vocals, she held centre stage and kept the audience engaged with her graceful moves and expressions.

Mohiniyattam is also a dance form that involves facial and eye movements. Unlike in Kathakali, where the performer is dressed in vibrant colours, the dancers here have a sober appearance. The movements and gestures in Mohiniyattam are more graceful as compared to Kathakali, which is more aggressive. This dance form originated in the early 16th century. Remember to keep your cell phone in silent mode as this is a performance-based act.

Did you know?

Mohiniyattam derives its movements from dance forms like Bharatnatyam and Kathakali.

Kalaripayattu

Kalaripayattu is a unique traditional dance form that showcases ancient martial arts techniques. I first saw this performance during a cultural show in Munnar. It was a rainy day, and the performance was scheduled for the afternoon. Inside the cultural centre, there were two stages. One was an elevated platform for a Kathakali performance, while the other resembled a pit reserved for the Kalaripayattu performance.

The show began with a traditional puja. The performers, mostly dressed in black sleeveless shirts and dhotis, came out with spears, wooden sticks, swords, and daggers. The first set of performers began with a display of exercises that resembled wrestling moves. Two combatants moved rhythmically in sequence, trying to overpower their opponent. The next set of combatants came out brandishing swords and shields.

To the rhythm of local instruments, the two had a go at each other, with their swords clanging against the shields in a series of moves and attacks. The performers jumped in the air as they initiated an attack. The sounds of the weapons clashing echoed through the arena. Once the swordsmen made their exit, a solo performer with a long pole took the stage. He showcased his skills with the pole through a series of stunts and spins, moving the pole swiftly above his head and around his body with the use of his wrists.

The last set of performers in this show came out with a set of large rings and lit them on fire. While two of the crew members held the ring at an elevation, the other performers sprinted across the floor and jumped through the flames.

Koodiyattam

Koodiyattam is an ancient dance form in which performers enact Sanskrit play. It is often performed at temples and is thought to be at least 2,000 years old. Koodiyattam translates to the art of "combined acting". The performance involves a male and a female dancer enacting scenes from the Ramayana. Just as in Kathakali, the performers here don elaborate face paint and make-up. On average, it takes about 3-4 hours for the make-up alone.

The performance is an elaborate act with colourful costumes, bright make-up, and vibrant music. Each act takes anywhere from six to 20 days to complete. It takes a performer 10 to 15 years of training to become a professional in this art form. The main accompanying instrument in this dance form is the 'Mizhave' – a large copper drum with calf skin stretched across the mouth.

Did you know?

Koodiyattam has been designated as a 'Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity' by UNESCO.

Theyyam

Theyyam is popularly known as the 'dance of the gods' in Kerala. There are over 400 types of Theyyam dance forms. It is usually performed in an open theatre without curtains, or on a stage. There is a solo dancer who wears heavy facial makeup and a flamboyant costume. From December to April, these performances take place in temples across the state.

Did you know?

King Kulasekhara Cheraman Perumal (1090-1102) is credited with reforming Koodiyattam into its present form.