MOHINI ATTAM

Mohiniattam is one of the eight Indian classical dance forms of India. It is a feminine d ance form of Kerala. The dance form of Mohiniattam was nurtured in the region of Kera la in southwestern India. It has only been in recent decades that Mohini Attam has risen in popularity and acceptability. Though it was born out of the fusion of Kathakali and Bharatnatyam, has developed its own identity. In the word Mohiniattam, Mohini means a maiden who charms the onlooker and attam means dance. The literal meaning of the term means 'Dance of the Enchantress,'. The white and golden costume with little bit gold ornaments along with amazing graceful movements in the medium tempo bring the aesthetic effect of the dance form.

Infact it is a seductive dance performed by women which is very much sensuous in appeal and extremely slow in seductive quality. It is performed as a solo recital by women. Another aspect of this traditional dance form is that it the transformation of Lord Vishnu in to a beautiful female form and also the concept of Ardhnareeshwara i.e. male and female as one.

Mohiniattam depicts the theme of romantic love and devotion to God also the theme of nature. With highly graceful movements and suggestive gesture and rhythmic foot work of course with the accompaniment of music this dance form does the proper justice to the different themes.

The story is an important part of Mohiniattam performances. Mostly the dancers depicts the verses from Meghdoot and Geeta Govinda in their dances. The spectators prefer Geeta Govind most because they used to get saturated in the spiritual overflow. The ethereal love of Krishna and Radha not only coloured Mohiniattam but also glorified it. The hero of most performances is Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna.

There is no heavy stamping and rhythmical tension in Mohiniattam. The foot work is gentle, soft and sliding. The movements are very much dignified, easy and natural which are never abrupt.In the rendering of this style there is great passion, enchantment and delicacy.