Kerala’s rich culture and heritage are protected by its people. The state’s beauty goes beyond its water bodies and forests, as seen in its various dances. During festivals, the people express their love for dance, making these traditional forms stand out. With Carnatic and classical music, these performances impress and amaze audiences. The local people are proud of the culture and heritage given to them by their ancestors. Here are some Dance Styles of Kerala:
List of Folk Dance Styles Of Kerela
1. Kathakali Dance
Kathakali is a famous dance in Kerala that attracts people globally. Around 500 years old, this art form blends music, art, design, and religion for a stunning theatrical show. It’s mostly done by men in colorful outfits. Kathakali depicts characters from epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. This makes it popular among Kerala’s various dances.
2. Mohiniyattam Dance
Mohiniyattam is a beautiful dance performed by women. It’s known for expressive eyes and enchanting gestures. It’s Kerala’s most famous classical dance. It mixes Bharatanatyam and Kathakali elements.
Mohiniyattam means “enchantress”. It represents graceful and captivating movements. Usually done solo by female dancers, group performances blend various dances beautifully. In the 16th century, devadasis performed Mohiniyattam. It showcases delicate and sensual moves accompanied by classical music.
3. Thiruvathira Kali Dance
“Thiruvathira Kali” is a popular dance in Kerala performed by women during the Onam festival. It aims to bring lasting marital happiness and occurs from December to January. The circular dance involves clapping, singing, and moving around a lamp or flowers in a rhythmic pattern.
4. Kolkali Dance
Kolkali is a unique dance with 24 farmers using two-foot-long sticks. They move in circles, tapping the sticks rhythmically. This dance, done around a ceremonial lamp, is common in North Malabar Region villages in Kerala.
5. Ottamthullal Dance
Ottamthullal is a Kerala dance from the 18th century. Dancers in colorful clothes and expressive makeup tell stories with hand and eye movements. Created by poet Kalakkaththu Kunchan Nambiar, it’s also called the ‘poor man’s Kathakali.’
6. Koodiyattam Dance
“Koodiyattam” is a popular Kerala dance in temples. It uses instruments like Kuzhitalam, Conch, Kurumkuzhal, and Mizhavu. It’s among the oldest dances in Kerala, performed in temples for a long time. In the past, Chakkiyars played male roles. And Nangiars played female roles in this combined dance drama.
7. Chakyar Koothu Dance
The dance form you’re referring to is “Chakyar Koothu,” an ancient Kerala dance introduced by the early Aryans. It’s an orthodox performance primarily executed by the Chakyar caste. Typically seen at temples or in specialized theaters called Koothambalam, this art form portrays stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas through expressive gestures and facial expressions.
8. Oppana Dance
The Oppana dance form holds significant importance within Kerala’s Muslim community. Specifically performed during wedding ceremonies and festivities, especially in the Malabar region, it involves a group of female relatives of the bride. They sing and dance around the bride, clapping their hands in a celebratory manner.
9. Margam Kali Dance
The dance form you’re describing is the “Margam Kali,” an ancient and popular Kerala dance primarily practiced by the Syrian Christians of Kerala. This dance is typically performed by men during festivals and significant events, especially weddings, involving 12 women dancing in circles around a lit oil lamp. The lamp symbolizes Christ, and the dancers represent his disciples in this traditional performance.
10. Theyyam Dance
Theyyam is a divine dance form revered in the Malabar region of Kerala. Kerala boasts around 456 variations of Theyyam within its dance forms. Among the most famous are Sree Muthappan Theyyam, Gulikan, Kathivanur Veeran, and Manakkott Amma. Each of these Theyyams holds its distinct significance and rituals within Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
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