Dances of Kerala

Kerala or God's Own Country as it is popularly called has a rich past, that is still preserved in its traditional cultural heritage. One can see these ancient traditions in its temples, monuments, ancient martial art forms and various dances. With the passing time, dances of Kerala has gained much importance in the celebrations, rituals, festivals and ceremonies etc.

Although there exists more than 50 dance forms in Kerala, but Kathaklai, Theyyam, Mohiniattam, Oppana and Koodiyattam are the most popular dances of this state. The grace and elegance with which they are performed is simply very majestic.

Kathakali:
Kathakali is the most popular dance form of Kerala that is known world-wide. It basically evolved around 500 years ago and is still a major tourist attraction of this state. In Malayalam the word Katha means story and kali means play, thus in general it means a story play. The colorful costumes, expressions, music the whole performance is really worth watching.

Oppana:
Oppana is basically a wedding dance that is performed before the wedding day. This dance form holds an important significance for the Muslim people living in Kerala specially in the Malabar region. Performed by the female relatives of the bride, Oppana dance make the wedding celebrations a memorable affair.

Mohiniattam:
This classical dance form of Kerala is performed with much grace and elegance and has important involvement of the feminine style of body movements. It is a solo female dance performance where the music and the facial expressions are very crucial for successful presentation.

Theyyam:
This folk dance form is also known by the name of Kaliyattam or Thirayattam. Theyyam is a brilliant and amazing dance that is performed as a ritual to please the Goddess Kaali. In earlier times it was performed by the priest of the temple( or kaavu) in every village also called thira.

Koodiyattam:
The oldest surviving dance form of Kerala, koodiyattam means 'acting together'. In the ancient times Sanskrit drama was represented with this dance that was performed in all the major temples of the ninth century. Koodiyattam is still prevalent in some parts of Kerala.

Author Bio: Plan Kerala Tours to see the vibrant Dances Of Kerala