DANCE AND FESTIVAL

Ritual dances were there are soulful rhythmic movement accompanied by lilting music. Some of the most famous ones are Kaliyattom, Mudiyettu, Kolamthullal, Kolakali, Poorakkali, Kampadavukali, Kanniyarkali, Kummi, Paricchamuttukali, Moplakali, Thappukali, Kuravarkali, Kaikkottikali and Velakali.
Velakali is a martial dance, which is performed by the Nayar warriors. There is splendid display of sword work. Kaikottikali is performed by womenfolk during Onam, a three-day festival celebrated in memory of the legendary King Mahabali and the women dance around a lit lamp stand while singing songs and clapping hands. The Classical Dance are the Kathakali, Mohiniattam ,Kalarippayatt , the Thullal, etc. The classical dances are vety famus not only in Kerala but in the world for elaborate dress.

KATHAKALI : It is a traditional dance form that originated 300 years ago. Its a combination of ballet, opera, masque and the pantomime.It evolved
from Kootiyattam, Krishnanattam and Kalarippayattu these dance forms. The story line is usually from the Purans, the ancient scriptures. The temple precincts after dusk falls, Kathakali is heralded by the Kelikottu or the beating of drums in accompaniment of the Chengila (gong). In this dance form each customeand the color of makeup that the performer wears has a significance. The dancers adorn themselves with huge skirts and head-dress, wearing a most intricate style of make-up. The dance form requires lengthy and rigorous training to attain complete control of the body and a sensitivity to emotion so as to be able to render all its nuances through facial expressions and hand gestures. This is very important in Kathakali. Themes revolve around the two great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha.