What is the folk dance of Kerala?

This lush green state, lying along the southwest coast of India, is famous not just for backwaters, tea plantations, and Ayurveda; the culture here has the hallmark of traditions based more on dance forms than anything else. The heritage of dance in Kerala starts from the minutely detailed enactment of classical dances. It runs through every dynamic rhythm of the folk performances, making it an interesting mixture of history, mythology, and art. The article will take you on an elaborate journey through the interesting world of Kerala dance forms that have both folk and classical performances.

The core of the famous Dance Form of Kerala

The dance forms of Kerala constitute an intrinsic part of its rich cultural heritage. They are enacted during festivals, religious rites, and other important events. What makes Kerala a storehouse of diverse dance forms is the fact that each dance form is unique in its style, story, and significance. Let us now get to the crux of the matter in detail regarding these dance forms, along with their origins, features, and the role that they play in Kerala's cultural scenario.

Classical Dance of Kerala

Kathakali

History and Origins: Kathakali is one of the most stylized classical dances of Kerala, dating from the 17th century, even though the traditions it grew from are much older. Kathakali has borrowed elements from the temple rituals and other styles like Krishnanattam and Ramanattam besides a certain degree of folk arts. The name actually means "story play."

Features: Costumes and Elaborate Makeup: In fact, Kathakali represents one of the most thriving vibrant costumes and facial makeup forms in any dance. The dancers have faces painted to portray various characters from gods and demons even to heroes and villains.

Performance: Slow and deliberate movements, combined with expressive gestures and facial expressions, are considered to be a landmark of the form. The performers use a complex system of hand gestures or mudras and eye movements to tell stories.

Music: The performance in Kathakali goes on to the accompaniment of live music played on traditional lenses: the cylindrical drum called the chenda, cymbals, and the metallic cymbals called Latham. The music adds to the setting of the mood and rhythm of the performance.

Role in Culture: Kathakali has become an inseparable part of the cultural and religious life in Kerala. The reason for presentation during festivities and other special temple functions and events is its divine reflection in the vulgar and the other way around.

Mohiniyattam

History and Origins: Mohiniyattam is a native Kerala dance form that translates to "dance of the enchantress." This classical dance of Kerala is characterized by a wonderful sense of lyrical quality and graceful movements. Traditionally believed to have been developed in the 16th century and associated with the devadasi tradition, this dance form was performed by women in a temple environment as an offering to the gods.

Graceful Movements: Mohiniyattam has been characterized by soft, mildly swaying moves and rhythmic grace. One does this dance in a half-sitting position. Very gentle swaying and circular movements are applied to the dance form. 

Costume: The Mohiniyattam performer wears a white saree with a golden border that increases the aesthetic appeal of the dance.

Expressions: The dance has a devoted focus on facial expressions and minute movements that are used to denote emotions and tell stories. Most of the items are centered on love, dedication, and divine sport.

Cultural Role: Mohiniyattam is performed for religious festivals, cultural events, and traditional ceremonies. It expresses the feminine aspects of grace and beauty; the performances of the same rejoice for their artistic and spiritual amplitude.

Theyyam

History/Origins: This classical dance of Kerala is a totally different form of ritual dance.  Theyyam involves an integral mix of dance, music, and worship. It has had deep roots since time immemorial in the ancient tribe and is performed most successfully in the northern districts of Kerala. The dance originates from the Theyyam festival, which worships several deities and spirits.

Ritualistic Performance: Theyyam performances very frequently occur in the proximity of temples or sacred groves. With most rituals of this genre, this dance form is performed to invoke gods or ancestral spirits, while the performers act as mediums between the divine and human realms.

Costume and Makeup: The performers are each clad in huge headgear and face masks, with other elaborately painted bodies to represent the deities, spirits, and mythic creatures that these performers impersonate.

Music: The dance is accompanied by a combination of resounding drums and highly pitched singers, which is breathtaking and more like a virtual experience.

Role in Culture: The performance of Theyyam is not merely an art form but also an act of religiosity. It holds a vital concern in the religious and cultural life in this part of India since here, one has a taste of the divine delight and an art form since ancient times.

Folk dance of Kerala

Thiruvathira

History/origin: Thiruvathira is a very traditional folk dance of Kerala. It is performed by women during the Thiruvathira festival, which is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Parvathi. This dance originated in ancient Kerala. It has an extremely close tie with folklore and religious background.

Group Dance: The circle which moves through a pattern, is how Thiruvathira is done. It involves rhythmic movements and coordination in the dance.

Songs: The folk songs are conventional, narrating, telling stories and praising the festival. This is accompanied by a dance.

Costume: The performers put on the classic clothing of Kerala. A white saree with a golden border adds to the festivity and cultural background.

Role in Culture: Thiruvathira is a festival celebrating womanhood and devotion. It builds up the feeling of community and family under the veil of the festival, reinstating social bonds and cultural qualitative continuity.

Oppana

History and Origins: Oppana is a folk dance that is performed at Muslim weddings in Kerala. The basic origin of this dance can be traced back to the cultural traditions followed by the Muslims. It is a very sportive and joyful dance form.

Social Dance: This Oppana folk dance of Kerala is performed by men and women together with traditional music. It involves energetic body movements by clapping hands and producing rhythmical steps.

Music: Oppana is accompanied by traditional folk songs and instrumental pieces of music, which add points to the festivity.

Costume: The performers wore the traditional attire of a wedding day, which increases the festive spirits of the dance

Role in Culture: It is a ritual art and an integral part of wedding celebrations. This folk dance is an illustrative procession of the community and the people's festive quota to the occasion of the wedding ritual. It is a medium through which fun and frolic take charge of this auspicious moment.

Kakkarissi Nritham

History and Origins: Kakkarissi Nritham is a folk dance form associated with the worship of deities and spirits. The origin of this Kerala dance can be traced back to the rural farmlands of Kerala. It is associated with several local rituals and celebrations.

Features of Kakkarissi Nritham: This dance features fast, energetic movements that relate to the mimicry of animals or the motion of natural elements. It constitutes vigorous rhythmic patterns.

Accompaniment: Traditional music produced using a series of drumming and instrumental music plays alongside the dance.

Costume: Colorful, embellished costumes depicting themes and local traditions embellish the dancers.

Role in Culture: Kakkarissi Nritham plays a vital role in most of the local rituals and festivities with strong social values and aspirations. This greatly attaches the community to its cultural and spiritual self. It is a tradition vibrant with traditional beliefs and practices.

The Evolution and Preservation of Kerala Dance Forms

Evolution Over Time

Evolution Over Time Kathakali has evolved over the years. Kathakali and other forms of dance in the Kerala dance form have always been based on the changing needs of society in tandem with religion and art. Classical dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniattam have found modern expressions without losing their traditional flavor. The same is the case with folk dances of Kerala like Thiruvathira and Oppana, which continue to be part of the rich cultural life of Kerala. 

Preservation Efforts

Saving Kerala's tradition of dances is essential for the purpose of conserving the culture of the land. Several organizations, dance schools, and cultural centers operating in Kerala are involved in this unending activity of keeping this tradition alive. The activities reflect on learning, participating, and research, passing the dance heritage to posterity back and forth in continuous cycles.

Learn and Participate

The interest in learning Kerala's dance forms is a wide-open opportunity. Not only the dance schools, but several institutions in Kerala are also eager to train students who are keen on dancing, irrespective of age. Live performances, workshops, and festivals also give a chance to be exposed to the dance forms and understand the reasons behind their performance.

The International Appeal of the Dance Forms of Kerala

The repertoire of dance forms from Kerala has received international appreciation and looks out for the art and culture. Performances and workshops are held in every part of the world, proving the beauty and artful execution of the dance forms. The global audience appreciates the storytelling and spiritual richness of Kerala's dance forms. This depends on them to be leading to their recognition.

The Global Appeal of Kerala Dance Forms

The dance forms of Kerala, whether classical or folk, represent its rich cultural background and the artistic excellence existing there. Starting with the majestic Kathakali and the gracious Mohiniyattam to lively Oppana and ritual Theyyam, each dance form revealed the spectacular traditions and beliefs of Kerala. These dances are, in fact, live traditions that link the people to their past, celebrate their present, and inspire their future.

Conclusion

The famous dance forms of Kerala are a treasure house of history, art, and culture. As one understands these dance forms better, one is encouraged and realizes that this is one of the diversified traditions that make Kerala a cultural jewel of India. The Kerala dance forms are inviting, and rich with numerous experiences, whether for the dancer, student, or just onlookers, making this beautiful journey into the very core of this marvelous state.

FAQs

1. What are the folk arts of Kerala?

Folk arts in Kerala include Kathakali, Theyyam, Mohiniyattam, and Chakyar Koothu.

2. What is the solo dance of Kerala?

Solo dance of Kerala is the Mohiniyattam

3. What is the name of the costume of the Kerala dance?

It is called "Mundu" and "Neriyathu" for Mohiniyattam, a costume used in the famous dance form of Kerala.

Liked the above article? Kindly share it with your friends who have an interest in Folk-dance and Classical-Dance. Live in the high-spirited world of the dances of Kerala and celebrate its heritage in every rhythmic step!

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