Mohiniyattam, the much renowned traditional feminine, classical art form of Kerala in now widely acclaimed world wide as the epitome of beauty and elegance. The connotation in evolved from the clubbing of two independent words "Mohini" (the enchantress) and "Attam" (Dance) when combined getting the meaning, dancing of the enchantress.
Mohiniyattam owes its humble beginning to the age old Desyathom of Karala or the dance of Devadasees (maid of Lord) The lasya or subtle, graceful movements (and abhinaya) hence forms, the root of Mohiniyattam. Mohiniyattam, which once ceased to exist had its renaissance first in the hands of the great artist king, Swathi Thirunal and later under the famous poet, Sri. Vallathol.
The topography, nature, the landscape and the climate, the seductive aura that this beautiful land offers has influenced, this art form greatly. The gentle wavy body movements adopted by the dancers are chiefly evolved from the swaying motions of the slender trees (coconut tree and aracnut tree) and the wavy nature of the paddy fields.
"Sringara" or amorous love and its dimensions is the underlying mood (bhava) of Mohiniyattam. The lover is none other than the Lord himself. Besides sringara, devotion to the Lord or Bhakthi and Karuna or Melancholic mood also are important 'Gita Govindam' of Jayadeva is a major referent book of Mohiniyattam dancers.
A single Mohiniyattam recital consists of pure dance numbers such as Thillana, Cholkettu, narrative dance giving importance to the abhinaya aspect such as 'Padam' and a mixture of both aspects as 'Varnam' Mohiniyattam leads the enthralled spectators to a paradise of excellence, thus actually satisfying the purpose of abhinaya-leading along.
