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| Kathakali |
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| It is a 500 years old classical dance drama,
which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and the pantomime.
The costumes and makeup are ornamental and elaborate. The actors
do not speak or sing but enact the story through mudras (head
gestures), graceful movements and facial expression. The pomp
and magnificence of Kathakali is partly due to its decor part
of which is the ‘kireetam’ or huge headgear and
the kanchukam the over sized jackets, and a |
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| long skirt worn over a thick padding of cushions.
A Kathakali actor enacts his ideas through mudras. For this
he follows a systematic sign language based on Hastalakshana
Deepika, a treatise on the language of hand gestures. |
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The Theyyam or Theyyattam is a popular ritual
dance of North Kerala, particularly now found in the traditional
Kolathunadu, of the present Kannur and Kasargode districts.
As a living cult with centuries old traditions, ritual and custom,
it embraces almost all castes and classes of Hindu religion
in this region. The term Theyyam is a corrupt form of daivam
or God. It is a rare combination of dance and music and reflects
important features of a tribal culture. |
| Mohiniattom |
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Mohini the temptress, is a recurring character
in Hindhu mythology. Attom means dance. It is seductive dance
performed by women, sensuous in its appeal. In technique Mohiniyattom
lies somewhere between Kathakali and Bharathanatyam, Lyrical
in the extreme keynote is coquetry. The symmetrical patterns
of emotion flow in balanced nuances with smooth footwork, somewhat
quickened body movements and special music.
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A dance form essential to the wedding entertainment
and festivities of the Malabar Muslims. Maidens and young female
relatives sing and dance around the bride, clapping their hands.
The songs of Mappilappattu, are first sung by the leader and
are repeated by the chorus. The themes are often teasing comments
and innuendoes about the bride's anticipated nuptial bliss.
Oppana is often presented as a stage item today. |
| Tiruvathirakali |
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Kaikottikali, also known as thiruvathirakali,
is a very popular, graceful and symmetric group-dance of the
women of Kerala often performed during festive seasons like
Thiruvathira and Onam. It is a simple and gentle dance with
the lasya element predominating, even though the thandava part
is also brought in occasionally, when men also participate as
seen in some parts of the Malabar area.
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| Typically dressed in Kerala style with mandu
and neriyathu and the hair bun bedecked with jasmine garlands
the women dance in gay abandon, singing melodious Thiruvathira
songs which are well-reputed for their literary flourish. |
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Thullal is a classical solo dance form, of Kerela,
which comes closer to contemporary life, and is marked for its
simplicity, wit and humour. Staged during temple festivals,
the performer explicates the verses through expressive gestures.
The themes are based on mythology. This satiric art form was
introduced in the18th century by the renowned poet Kunchan Nambiar.
There are three related forms of Thullal - Ottanthullal , Seethankanthullal
and Parayanthullal. |
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