Mohiniyattam

Mohiniyattam or Mohiniattam is a classical Indian dance style of the southern Indian state of Kerala. The dance refers to the legend of the divine seductress Mohini.

Originally, this dance was performed by women of the Nayar caste.

It is the Mohiniyattam is a dance solo danced by women, similar to the Kathakali in its dance form. However, this dance is popular, the performances are shorter and it is used the Malayalam language. In addition, the costumes are less rich jewelery, the dancer wearing only a simple sari with blouse and make- up is also reduced. In gestures, facial expressions and dance movements but there is a broad agreement with the Kathakali, although the Mohiniyattam is less stylized and systematized.

Mohiniyattam comes from the tradition of temple dancers, who also acted in Kerala from the 9th century. It is, however, the Mohinyattam more a courtly dance, as to proffered in temples dances. Due to the loss of power of princes and kings of this dance style was almost forgotten, one of the few who still taught this dance was the dance master Vallatol Menon in Kerala, which helped him to a renaissance.