Information AboutMohiniyattam |
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Mohiniaattam (also spelled as mohiniattam or mohiniyattam) is a traditional South India n Dance form from Kerala , India . It is a very graceful dance meant to be performed as a solo recital by Women . The term Mohiniattam comes from the words "Mohini" meaning a woman who enchants onlookers and "aattam" meaning ''graceful and sensuous body movements''. The word "Mohiniattam" literally means ''"dance of the enchantress"''. There are two stories of the Lord Vishnu disguised as a Mohini. In one, he appears as Mohini to lure the Asuras (demons) away from the Amrita (nectar of immortality) obtained during the churning of the Ocean Of Milk . In the second story Vishnu appears as Mohini to save Lord Shiva from the demon Bhasmasura . The name Mohiniaattam may have been coined after Lord Vishnu, and the main theme of the dance is love and devotion to God, with usually Vishnu or Krishna being the hero. The dance has influences and elements from two South Indian dance forms, the Bharatanatyam and Kathakali . The dance involves the swaying of broad Hip s and the gentle movements of Erect Torso from side to side. This is reminiscent of the swinging of the Palm leaves and the gently flowing River s which abound kerala, the land of Mohiniattam. The costume includes white Sari embroidered with bright golden fabric at the edges. The dance follows the classical text of Hastha Lakshanadeepika , which has elaborate description of Mudra s (gestural expressions by the hand and fingers). The vocal Music of Mohiniattam involves variations in rhythmic structure known as ''choll''. The lyrics are in Manipravala, a mixture of Sanskrit and Malayalam . The mohiniattam dance is performed to this accompaniment by the subtle gestures and footwork of the danseuse. The performer uses the eyes in a very coy yet sensual manner, the purpose being to enchant the mind without enticing the senses. SEE ALSO |
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