The Kerala Kalamandalam has lifted gender restrictions to learn Mohiniyattam by allowing boys to join the Mohiniyattam course.
Key points
- Mohiniyattam (Mohiniattam) is a classical dance form of Kerala. Mohiniyattam dance gets its name from the word ‘Mohini’ – a historical enchantress avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, who helps the good prevail over evil by developing her feminine powers.
- It follows the Lasya style described in Natya Shastra, that is a dance which is delicate, eros-filled and feminine.
- It is traditionally a solo dance performed by women after extensive training. The dancer articulates a legend or a spiritual message, aiming to engage the emotions and mind of the viewer.
- Mohiniyattam comprises about 40 different basic movements called adavukal and its performance style is marked by the swaying of hips and the gentle movements with straight body posture from side-to-side.
- The Kerala Kalamandalam, which is a deemed university is the premier centre in Kerala for learning classical art forms.
