Mohiniyattam
Mohiniyattam, the female classical solo dance of Kerala, is the dance of the mohini – the celestial enchantress in Hindu mythology. Mohiniyattam is one of the classical dances of India that originated in the South Indian state of Kerala. This classical dance form is based on Hastha Lakhsana Deepika, the treatise on hand gestures. Its lyrics are usually taken from Manipravala, which is a mixture of Sanskrit and Malayalam languages. Mohiniyattam usually deals with the themes of love and devotion.
The slow, swaying movements of Mohiniyattam along with subtle facial expressions give it an identity different from that of the other classical dance forms of India. The predominant emotive element of this dance is laasya or sensuality.
Earlier performed only in temple premises, Mohiniyattam was made popular by the erstwhile king of Travancore, Swathi Thirunal. He patronized the dance to the extent of giving it a typical Kerala touch. Irayimman Thampi, the court musician of Swathi Thirunal, and Kuttikunju Thankachi are the others who contributed to the growth of Mohiniyattam.