The dances of Kerala are evocative of the temperaments and moods of the localities in music, and the costumes are highly developed. Kerala is a colorful amalgamation of folk, classical, and tribal dances that acquaint you with a delightful world of ancient customs and practices that have cascaded down the generations and now find expression in the various performing arts forms.
Local legends, traditional stories, age-old customs, cultural beliefs, and mythological stories are depicted through the brilliant Kerala classical dances. Kerala is a treasure trove of dance forms: Folk Dance, Tribal Dance, Classical Dance, Neo-Classical Dance, and Modern Dance. Blessed with a rich history of art and culture, Kerala is renowned worldwide for its beautiful performing arts, which the ancient rulers highly patronized.
Dance forms of Kerala
- Kathakali
- Mohiniyattam
- Thirvathirakali
- Kolkali
- Ottamthullal
- Koodiyattam
- Chakyar Koothu
- Oppana
Kathakali– Amongst the most prominent dance forms in Kerala, Kathakali is a renowned Kerala dance known worldwide and performed by many artists on various occasions. Kathakali originated 500 years ago in Kerala and combines music, art, and design. Religion is a form of expression to give you a spectacular theatrical performance.
Mohiniyattam– It is a refined form of dance that women perform, and it involves lots of eye movement and graceful movements that enchant you. Mohiniyattam translates to an elegant woman who captivates the audience with her graceful movements. It combines elements of two other dance forms: Bharatanatyam and Kathakali.
Thirvathirakali– Women perform it to attain everlasting marital bliss. It is usually fulfilled from December to January in the Malayalam month of Dhanu. This dance form is completed in a circular pattern, clapping and singing around a lamp or floral decoration. It signifies the strength of women, their charm, and grace.
Kolkali– A unique dancing style called kolkali features 24 artists from the farming community. Usually, two-foot-long wooden sticks are used in the performance, and the dancers move in circles while tapping the sticks. Then, in a circle, the dancers spin a sacred lamp. Kolkali songs include narratives about local deities.
Oppana– This dance form is performed explicitly in the Muslim community of Kerala. The Oppana dance form is essential to the wedding ceremonies and festivities of the Muslim community, especially in the Malabar region of Kerala. It is usually performed by a group of female relatives of the bride who sing and dance around the bride while clapping their hands.
If you are willing to enjoy the different dances of Kerala, then you must check out our Kerala tour packages.
