MOHINIATTAM
Mohiniattam is one of eight Indian classical dance forms recognised by the Indian Ministry of Culture, among Kathakali, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Manipuri, Sattriya and Odissi. It originates from Kerala, one of the southernmost Indian states along the Arabian sea. Mohiniattam is translated as the mythological celestial enchantress's (Mohini) dance or play (aatam).
In mythology, Mohini is the mythical enchantress avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, who helps good prevail evil by deploying her feminine powers. Lord Shiva, pleased with the demon Bhasmasura’s penance, grants him a boon that allows him to reduce anyone he touches on their head to ashes. After receiving this boon, Bhasmasura takes after Shiva. Terrified, Shiva beseeches Lord Vishnu to save him, who transforms into Mohini and captivates Bhasmasura with her charm. Bhasmasura immediately wishes for Mohini to become his wife and she agrees on the condition that he participate in a dance duel with her. As the dance culminates, Mohini assumes a posture with her hand on her head; Bhasmasura imitates and is immediately reduced to ashes. Thus, Mohiniattam is believed to have originated from the dance of Mohini.
Mohiniattam emphasizes Kaisiki Vritti or the graceful way of movement. Movements in Mohiniattam are predominantly feminine, gentle and fluid. In contrast to other Indian classical dance styles, Mohiniattam is defined by undulating circular movements marked by the smooth sway of the torso. The body's swinging and fluid movements and gentle dips can be compared to local ecology and landscapes, such as the forward and backward movements of ocean waves and swaying coconut fronds, the grounded yet light movements of temple elephants and the circular architecture of Keralan temples.
Abhinaya, or expressiveness, is also crucial to Mohiniattam performances and almost all other Keralan dance styles. Abhinaya is storytelling through facial expressions and hand gestures; in Mohiniattam it unfolds through a complex combination of sattvik emotions and sustained breath work.
Navarasa Abhinaya - the nine basic expressions
Though the art of Mohiniattam looks effortless, it belies an extraordinary amount of energy. The slow, languid, and deliberate movements and breathing require control. While the upper body moves fluidly, the lower body is controlled.
Mohiniattam vocal music incorporates different rhythms and lyrics and is often in Manipravalam, a combination of Sanskrit and Malayalam. The music style is Carnatic (South Indian classical) or Sopanam (Kerala Temple Music) and the instruments used include kuzhitalam (cymbals), veena, idakka (hourglass-shaped drum), mridangam (barrel-shaped drum with two heads), violin, and flute.