ART FORMS
KATHAKALI
Kathakali is the
most refined, most scientific and elaborately defined dance
form of Kerala.
Kerala Kalamandalam (Cheruthuruthy) : North of Thrissur, 29km away near the Shoranur Railway Junction is Cheruthuruthy, home of the renowned repository of the tradition of the Kathakali dance form. The institution also offers training in music, drama, and other dance forms including Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam and Ottam Thullal.
MOHINIYATTAM
Mohiniyattam is a semi-classical dance form. It
contains elements of Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi and Odissi
is based on the story of ‘Mohini’, the mythological
seductress. The movements are graceful like that of Odissi and
the costumes sober and fascinating. It combines songs in
Malayalam with Carnatic music.
KALARI PAYATTU: Is the comprehensive system of martial arts of Kerala, regarded as one of the oldest and most scientific in the world. Kalaripayattu training aims at the ultimate co-ordination of mind and body. The traditional training in a Kalari includes specialisation in indigenous medical practices too
BHARATA NATYAM
It
is believed to be India’s oldest form of classical dance. This
dance form which is called poetry in motion, has its hoary
origins in the Natya Sastra written about 4000 B.C. by Sage Bharatha. This art form grossly disallows new fangled
innovations or gimmicks except in repertoire and forms of
presentation. It was originally known as ‘Dasi Attam,’ a
temple art performed by young women called ‘devadasis.’
KOODIYATTAM
Koodiyattam is perhaps the oldest dance drama form
still in existence in India. Koodiyattam literally means dancing together. Based on
the Sanskrit text, a performance of this art form may last
from a few days to a few weeks.
