Art Forms of Kerala

Kerala, rich in its cultural heritage, has developed through the centuries its own typical art forms, particularly folk dances. Kerala, a southern state of India, has a very long history of culture and civilization. The historical records corroborate the fact that various art forms – classical, folk as well as tribal – had evolved in Kerala in very ancient period.

Kathakali

Kathakali is an ancient dance - drama of Kerala. It is so appealing due to the rare synthesis of dance, drama, music, acting, percussion, mythology, and culture. It is evolved from folk arts and other earlier classical dances of Kerala. The Kerala Kala Mandalam founded by poet Vallothol at Cheruthuruthi in1930 has played a vital role in revitalizing Kathakali.

Kooth

Kooth is performed by the members of the professional Chakyar caste and that too only in Koothambalam of temples. It is one of the oldest of theatrical arts not only of Kerala, but of India also. Koothu has come to be looked upon as the monoact par excellence in which a single actor, viz the Chakiar, acts the role of all the characters impressing his audience with suitable gestures.

Koodiyattam

Koodiyattam, one of the well known classical dance dramas,was originated 2000 years ago in Kerala. It is believed that the history of drama of Kerala began with Koodiyattam. It was performed in the Koothambalams of temples- the place of worship of Hindus. Koodiyattam is the earliest form of dramatic art in Kerala. In Koothu and Koodiyattam the actors enjoy freedom of speech and they criticise the important personages without fear or favour.

Ramanattom

Ramanatom is a dance drama based on the life of Rama who is considered as the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is performed as an eight - day cycle. It can be considered as the proto type of Kathakali in many aspects.

Mohiniyattom

Mohiniyattom, which is also known as “Kerala Nadanam”, is a unique dance form of recent origin. The influence of Kathakali and Bharata Natyam are very much evident in it. In the beginning, it was performed by women, but now it was performed by man also.

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.

Online Kuchipudi Dancers Kerala.........

Kuchipudi is one such unique form of Art which is the tasteful blend of grace and vigour, elevation and sensuality, of control and abandon. With its roots buried in the soil of Andhra Pradesh in India, Kuchipudi was born in a remote Village from which it derived its name. In the early days, the Kuchipudi style of dance was in the form of dance dramas, the main purpose being to inculcate divine ecstasy which invokes immortal bliss and brings one closer to the path of salvation. The Dancer not only merely dances but also acts with gestures as well as words. It takes at least ten years for an ordinary dancer to master this art and be able to express Bhava through eyes and Rhythm through foot work.

Famous Online Classical Dancers Kerala

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. 

Online Dance Dlasses in Kerala

Rlv Anand is famed as one of the leading dancers in Kerala. A competent performer, choreographer and teacher, he heads his own dance institution "Yadhukulam Natygriham" at Chalakudy, Guruvayoor and Calicut. Rlv Anand has taken his diploma, post diploma, BA, MA in Bharathanatyam from RLV College, Tripunithara. 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.

RLV Contact.....

Rlv Anand is famed as one of the leading dancers in Kerala. A competent performer, choreographer and teacher, he heads his own dance institution "Yadhukulam Natygriham" at Chalakudy, Guruvayoor and Calicut. Rlv Anand has taken his diploma, post diploma, BA, MA in Bharathanatyam from RLV College, Tripunithara. 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.