The dance forms are performed by both men and women. Men have more dance forms than women in this state. It is very difficult to classify these dance forms on the basis of social, religious and marital motives. Dance forms in Kerela are adored and have become the lives of the people who perform them. The dance forms are perfect and unique in their presentation, as it displays expressions in a way that explains the meaning of the dance accompanied by perfect and suitable costumes. There are almost 50 dance forms in Kerala, of which Kathakali, Thiruvathirakali, Ottamthullal, Koodiyattam, Chakyar Kothu and Theyam are famous.
Dance forms
Kathakali
Kerala is known for this form of dance. It is the ancient dance drama of Kerala, which is the oldest form of theater. It is a combination of dance, theater, music, acting, percussion, mythology, cultures and rituals. This form of dance is performed on mythological characters from epics such as the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and other ancient scriptures. It is generally performed by male dancers. The people of Kerala adore this form of dance. Dancers do it with elaborately painted faces, heavy, elegant and colorful costumes, headdresses, stylized makeup, billowing skirts, and abundant ornaments. For the most part, this dance form is based on the history of ancient scriptures that is presented by the artists accompanied by the song sung with Chenda. Therefore, it literally means “to tell stories”.
Mohiniyattam
Mohiniyattam is also known as ‘Kerala Nadanam’. It is a semi-classic feminine dance that is very sensual and performed with graceful movements. It is mainly performed on the temple grounds of Kerala. It is made with the theme of love and devotion to God. The dance moves are smooth, graceful, and the eye expressions are compelling. The appeal of this dance form is very simple (white saree and gold edging) with realistic makeup.
Thirvathirakali
Thirvathirakali is also known as Kaikottikali. This form of dance is performed during the Onam festival in Kerala. It is a group dance performed by both women who can dance in circles and rhythmically to the sound of the song performed during this dance form.
Kolkalli
Kolkalli is a form of dance performed by both men and women in a group of 24 dancers. The rhythmic melody is generated with the wooden sticks with special steps. The dance is performed in a circle by the artists. The accompaniment has variations in the sound and pitch of the music that generally rise and the dance reaches its climax.
Ottamthullal
This dance form has been created by the Malayalam poet named Kalakkaththu Kunchan Nambiar. This dance is performed in a story format where each artist interprets their characters accompanied by the musical tone, mridangam and an idakka.
Koodiyattam
Koodiyattam is a dramatic dance performance in Sanskrit. The history of dance theater is said to have come from Koodiyattam. The meaning of this dance form is ‘to dance together and that is the reason why men and women share equal status in Koodiyattam’. In this, instruments with high quality music are used.
Chakyar koothu
Chakyar koothu is an ancient dance form and belongs to a very refined monologue. This form of dance is narrated in dance form to the audience using ancient epics and scriptures. It is performed only during special occasions and festivals in the temples of Kerala. This form of dance involves minimal choreography and maximum facial expressions.
Theyyam
Theyyam is a socio-religious dance form from Kerala also known as Kaliyatom or Thirayattom. It is a form of ritual dance to glorify the goddess Kaali. It is performed in all the towns and is very popular in the lower castes of society. It is done without any particular makeup or colorful outfits.
Kooth
It is one of the oldest theater arts not only in Kerala but in the entire country. It is performed by the professional Chakyar caste in the Koothambalam of the temples. This dance is performed through facial expressions, signs and gestures.
Ramanattom
It is considered as the proto type of kathakali. It is based on the life of Lord Rama, considered to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The artists are creatively decorated and the faces are painted with heavy makeup to make it even more attractive.
Ashtapadi Attom
Ashtapadi Attom means dance based on Gita Govinda. This dance drama is based on the life of Lord Krishna. It is one of the extinct dance forms of Kerala. The main characters are Krishna, Radha and three other female characters. This dance form is also in the storytelling format that expresses the life of Lord Krishna.
Patakom
Patakom is a dance form that is much less expensive than other dance forms. It is usually done in small events. Patakom includes acting out the narrative using alternative prose and sequences of songs and gestures with which the story is presented.
Krishnanattom
As the name suggests, this dance form is also based on the life of Lord Krishna. It comes in a cycle of eight days. Daily offerings are given to Lord Krishna in this dance form in the temples of the Guruvayur temple.
Sangha kali
Sangha kali is also known as Sastrakali, Chathirakali, or Vatrakali. It is a socio-religious dance form where performers train with physical exercises and military training with special emphasis on physical feats and swordplay. It is performed using weapons and the last part of this dance is called Kudameduppu.
Muddiyettu
It is a dance form of the Bhagavathy Cult based on his glory and triumph. The characters in this dance form look very supernatural due to the beautiful costumes, face paintings, and heavy hats.
Kakkarissi kali
This form of dance is very loud as the performers scream and there are heavy drumbeats. It is a group dance with perfection in the coordination of the artists when shouting and creating a rhythmic tone with their noise.
Dappu kali
This is a group dance from Moplahs of Malabar. This form of dance is performed in symmetry and there is coordination in the steps of each dancer along with the rhythm of the drum performed by them. They hit the dappu with each dancer that they hold in their left hand and dance with body swings.
Poykkuluau kali
Poykkuluau also known as marakkalattom. This is an immobile dance performed in collaboration with the temple festivities. It is done to worship Durga and present the offering with this form of dance.
Koothamoori
It is a form of dance from North Kerala. The dancers’ costumes are made of leaves and twigs worn with the rough facial markings and heavy skirts. This dance is performed in the instrumental tone of chenda and kinni.
Poorakkali
Poorakkali is a folk dance performed in the bhagavathy temples of Kerala as a ritual offering made during the month of Meenam. In this form of dance, the dancers are well trained with all the techniques and feats of Kalaripayattu. It is performed around the lighting lamp, in eighteen different stages with different rhythms, each phase called Niram.
Panna
This is a ritual dance to worship Goddess Kali.
Sarpam thullal
This form of dance is performed for the wealth and happiness of the family. It is usually done by members of the community.
Kaavadiyattom
This dance is performed to give offerings to Lord Subramania. The artists’ costumes are yellow or pink with kavadi on the shoulders. They dance in a row in a rhythmic tone of udduku, chenda, etc.
Oppana
It is also a Kerala folk dance performed by women to entertain brides and men to entertain grooms. It is basically done in the Muslim community of Kerala.
Apart from these dance forms, there are Parichamuttu Kali, Kampada Vu Kali, Thookam, Thumpi Thullal, Kummi, Morgam Kali, Arjuna Nritham, Kummatti, Gurudan Thookam, Thuyattu, Thirayattom, etc. These dance forms are performed to worship different gods and rarely on different occasions. Kerala city is rich in almost 50 dance forms that are performed on almost all occasions and festivals.