Mohiniaattam (മൊഹിനിയാട്ടം) (also spelled as mohiniattam or mohiniyattam) is a traditional South Indiandance form from Kerala, India. It is a very graceful dance meant to be performed as a solo recital by women. The term Mohiniattam comes from the words "Mohini" implying a feeling of warm enchantment and "aattam" meaning graceful and sensuous body movements. The word "Mohiniattam" literally means "dance of the enchantress".
The dance has influences and elements from two South Indian dance forms, the Bharatanatyam and Kathakali. The dance involves the swaying of broad hips and the gentle movements of erect torso from side to side. This is reminiscent of the swinging of the palm leaves and the gently flowing rivers which abound kerala, the land of Mohiniattam. The costume includes white sari embroidered with bright golden fabric at the edges. The dance follows the classical text of Hastha Lakshanadeepika, which has elaborate description of Mudras (gestural expressions by the hand and fingers).
The vocal music of Mohiniattam involves variations in rhythmic structure called as choll. The mohiniattam dance is performed to this accompaniment by the subtle gestures and footwork of the danseuse. The performer uses the eyes in a very coyish yet sensual manner. The purpose being to enchant the mind without enticing the senses.
Mohiniyattam is a dance form said to have originated in Kerala.
The accompaniments for Mohiniyattam are Vocal, Veena, Venu, Maddalam and Idakka.
If you are a Mohiniyattam artist or if you wish to recommend any artist, please note this postal address to which you can send the artist's passport size photograph, photo of a stage performance and bio-data specially listing his/ her achievements in the field.
MOHINIYATTAM is one of the most lyrical classical dance traditions, originating from Kerala, the land of palm trees, backwaters, caparisoned elephants, Kathakali and Koodiyattam, and innumerable folk arts and festivals; that is God's own land.
The tradition of Mohiniyattam can be traced back to the 16th-17th century, a period generally considered as the golden era of arts and literature in the history of Kerala.
The earliest known textual reference to Mohiniyattam is found in the commentary on the Vyavaharamala, a Sanskrit text written by Mazhamangalam Namboodiri during the 16th century.
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