Art forms of Kerala - India

Nangyar Koothu is an allied traditional art of Kutiyattam, an age-old Sanskrit drama tradition of India. It is performed traditionally by the women of the Ambalavasi Nambiar community of Kerala. This is a beautiful performance by Kalamandanam Sangeetha, a professional.

DANCE art tradition Nangiyar Koothu Nangyar Koothu kerala India Kalamandalam Sangeetha dancer

Mohiniyattam is a classical dance form from Kerala. It is considered a very graceful form of dance meant to be performed as solo recitals by women. Below performance is by Vinduja Menon, a very famous dancer/actress.

Kuchipudi is a Classical Indian dance from Andhra Pradesh, India. It is also popular all over South India. Kuchipudi is the name of a village in the Divi Taluka of Krishna district that borders the Bay of Bengaland with resident Brahmins practicing this traditional dance form, it acquired the present name. Below performance is by the famous Kerala (India) actress Manju Warrior.

Kathakali - is a highly stylized classical Indian dance-drama noted for the attractive make-up of characters, elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements presented in tune with the anchor playback music and complementary percussion. It originated in the country's present day state of Kerala during the 17th century and has developed over the years with improved looks, refined gestures and added themes besides more ornate singing and precise drumming.

Below performance is "Duryodhana Vadham", by Dr.Chandramana Narayanan Namboodiri - Perumbavoor, Kerala, India

Bharatanatyam is a classical Indian dance form originating in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.This dance form denotes various 19th and 20th century reconstructions of Sadir, the art of temple dancers. Sadir in turn, is derived from ancient dance forms that includes some acrobatic karanas. Bharatnatyam is usually accompanied by Carnatic music. It has its inspirations from the sculptures of the ancient temple of Chidambaram. Bharatanatyam, as the name depicts is the combination of:

'Bha' - Bhavam (means expression), 'Ra' - Ragam (means music), 'Ta - Talam (means beat or rhythm) and Natyam (means dance) in Tamil.

Performance by Manju.V.Nair