Mohiniattam
Mohiniattam is a compound word formed by the words Mohini (meaning a beautiful woman) and Attam (meaning dance). The dance is based on the theme of sringara or love. Rhythmic footwork and suggestive actions handle the themes very carefully and convey the meanings.
Mohiniattam is a semi-classical dance originated in Kerala. It is generally a solo dance performance performed with the motive to steal away onlooker's hearts and have a beguiling effect on the onlookers. According to the Legend, Lord Vishnu took on the guise of a Mohini to enchant asuras and save the Gods from their clash with the asuras.
Main character in these performances is Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna. The performances are a depiction of love and devotion to god. Unlike Kathakali, the costumes and make up for the performances is sober and attractive. The vocal music Mohiniattam is classical Carnatic.
The movements in the dance are intertwined and make a flow to make it appear that one action leads to another without any break. There is a flavor of Bharatnatyam and Kathakali. The dance steps in Mohiniattam are Dhaganam, Jaganam, Adavus - Taganam and Sammisram. The costume for Mohiniattam dance includes a white jacket and white jacket and white sari and hair adorned with jasmine garland.
Initially Mohiniattam was not categorized as a classical dance. But with sterling efforts of the Gurus, it was included in the list of Classical Dances of India. Mahakavi Vallathol set up the premiere institution for Kathakali in Kerala Kalamandalam in India and he invited three dancers practicing Mohini Attam at that time Kalpuratte Kunjukutty Amma, Tottacheri Chinnamuamma and Kalyani Kutty Amma to teach Mohiniattam in his institution. Today the dance has achieved a distinction fro the efforts put in by various scholars and dance practitioners.
Here is a list of various theme tours:
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