Mohiniattam is a personification of feminine charm. It is a highly communicative Indian Classical Dance, which was originated in the palm fringed land of 'Kerala' known for its exotic natural charm, dynamic backwaters, and the spectacular landscape. This unique form of dance is vastly
influenced by the scintillating natural beauty -the dancing and swinging of the trees and flowing waters of the coastal area. The word Mohiniattam is derived from two words - "Mohini" (meaning beautiful women) and "attam"(meaning dance).
Mohiniattam has been handed down through the centuries by temple dancers of south India called devadasis. The dance acquired new identity in the 19th century during the reign of Maharaja Swati Tirunal -ruler of Travancore (Southern Kerala). Great Malayalam poet Vallathol, also played an important part in reviving the position of this dance. He established Kerala Kalamandalam dance school in 1930. Some of the other prominent personalities who are associated with this legendary dance are - Guru Krishna Panicker, Kalyani Kuttiamma, Chinnammu Amma and many more.
It is traditionally a female solo dance. Mohiniattam dancers usually wears off white colored sari with gold brocade borders. They are beautifully adorned with the gold jewelery, necklaces, bangles, waistbands and anklets. The dancers portray the themes of love and devotion through her delicate footsteps and subtle facial expressions. This dance is mainly dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Krishna.
The basic steps used in the dance are known as Adavus namely Taganam, Jaganam, Dhaganam and Sammisram. It is somewhat quite similar to south Indian dance of Bharatanatyam. The lyrics used in the dance is the combination of Sanskrit and Malayalam. The dance involves the swaying of hips and soft movements of orthostatic posture from side to side. There are approximately 40 different movements, known as 'atavukal', in Mohiniattam.
The sensuous style of dance also involves the use of eye movement that are quite elicit in its own manner. The theme behind the dance is to entertain and enchant the viewers without being offensive
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