Indian Classical Dance

In the Indian culture, classical dance has a lot of significance. It is not merely meant for entertaining oneself, but it serves as a fabulous way to express the innate feelings of heart. Indian Classical Dance is one of the most comprehensive and oldest dance forms in the world. Most of the development of Indian dance is linked to the 2nd century B.C.  It is one of the best means to get connected to God. The theoretical aspect related to Indian classical dance can be traced back during the period of Natya Shastra of Bharata Muni (400 BC). In the ancient times, dance was performed to appease the deities and was considered a vital element of spirituality.

Indian folk and tribal dances are simple dances, and are performed to express joy. Folk and tribal dances are performed for every possible occasion, to celebrate the arrival of seasons, birth of a child, a wedding and festivals. The dances are extremely simple with minimum of steps or movement. The dances burst with verve and vitality. Men and women perform some dances exclusively, while in some performances men and women dance together.

Dances of Kerala

Kerala, referred to as "God's Own Country", boasts of a tradition and cultural heritage that trails several years back. Dance in India, is rooted to age-old tradition. This vast sub-continent has given birth to varied forms of dancing, each shaped by the influences of a particular period and environment.

Mohiniyattam 
Mohiniattam is famous as the dance of the celestial enchantress. It is another classical dance form of Kerala, performed by only women and is known for its graceful movements and simple but elegant costumes. In the Mohiniattam performance, Vishnu is portrayed as a celestial enchantress, trying to mesmerize the demons to help the Gods get a full share of ambrosia, which gave them immortality. This is the legend/myth behind Mohiniattam and forms the core of this dance form. Historically, the temple dancers/devdasis performed the Mohiniattam in the temples of Kerala.The noted Malayalam poet Vallathol, who established the Kerala Kalamandalam dance school in 1930, played an important role in popularizing Mohiniattam in the 20th century.

Rlv Anand is famed as one of the leading bharatanatyam,mohiniyattam,kuchipudi dancers in Kerala. Anand has contributed his own concepts to the traditional dance style through his experimentation and innovations in Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam and Kuchipidi. He produced and choreographed several dance dramas in his own style, which are highly appreciated.