ART FORMS AND DANCES OF KERALA Kerala owes
its international fame to the nearly 300-year-old classical dance form of
Kathakali, which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and pantomime. It is
said to have evolved from other performing arts like Kootiyattam and Ramanattam. Kathakali tells about events and stories from the Indian Epics and 'Puranas', ancient
scriptures. Presented in the temple precincts after dusk falls, Kathakali is
heralded by the Kelikottu (the beating of drums) in accompaniment of the Chengila (gong). The
accompanying instruments of the orchestra consists in two drums- the 'Maddalam'
and 'Chenda', the 'Chengila', which is a bell metal gong and the 'Ilathalam' or
cymbals.
MOHINIYATTAM (THE ENCHANTRESS DANCE) This typical dance of
kerala is the feminine counterpart of Kathakali. the dance uses very soft and
graceful movements and its technique is essentially feminine. THULLAL Great amusement and entertainment is provided by this
classical art form which is a social satire. There are three forms of Thullal :
Ottanthullal, Parayanthullal and Sheetanganthullal. THEYYAM In northern Malabar region this dance ritual was originally
held to please the folk deities, spirits and ancestors. Performed by men wearing
masks, body paint, colourful costumes and mudi (headgear). at the beginning of
every performance there is thottam (song) in praise of the deity. Influenced by
kalaripayattu, the martial art of kerala, the dance steps are accompigned by the
rhythm of beats of drums and cymbal. Usually held between December and May. a
daily performance is to see at parassinikadavu temple, 20 km north of kannur. KALARIPAYATTU the oldest known system of martial training
in the world comes from kerala. the origin of kalaripayattu can be traced back
to the 12th century AD. kalaripayattu means training of combat in the gymnasium.
training takes place at the kalari, the temple of learning. the gurukkal teaches
the combat training: figorous physical training as well as training in
self-discipline. different weapons are used: sword, shield, dagger, spear and
kuruvadis. this training aims at the complete co-ordination of mind and body. the traditional training includes
specialised and indigenous medical preparations and methods of treatments which
were developed for kalari-related injuries like fractures, bruises, fractures
etc. there is also the full body oil-massage (uzhichil) used to attain
supplessness of the body. a specially prepared medicated oil is used for
uzhichil. kalaripayattu has contributed to the
traditional art and dance forms of kerala, like kathakali, kooddyattam etc.
kathakali has drawn elements from kalaripayattu in its physical training and
body massage for the trainee. YOGA - means union. while practising yoga we try
to balance male and female, sun and moon; from this balance comes harmony and
from harmony the union within us. to be effect full, yoga has to be practiced
on a daily base, following the 5 principles exercise is based on a non-violent system of
movement that increases circulation of fluids in our bodies. movements and
structure of the body must be kept in good order by exercising muscles and
joints, keeping tissues healthy and pliable. relaxing by laying down, regulating one's
breath, concentrating on the various parts of the body and giving them mental
suggestions to relax. excellent to reduce lood pressure and lessen nervous
worries. breathing to supply the body with the
maximum of oxygen for the health of cells and discharge the waste product carbon
dioxide. balance of the left and right hemispheres of the brain, leading to
increased concentration and energy. diet, to be of benefit must be simple and
should be based on a grain - bean combination, giving digestible protein.
various vegetables, nuts and seeds as well as fruits should be eaten separately. experience deep inner peace and silence is
the essence of yoga, without which all the above points will not bear full
fruit. the most important thin in yoga is not
flexibility and the capacity of doing difficult postures, but awareness of body,
breath, our movements, practising with total attention within us. from this
awareness comes control, grace and beauty. 
THE CLASSICAL DANCE-DRAMA KATHAKALI
The dancers adorn themselves with huge skirts and head-dress, wearing a most
intricate style of make-up. The richness of this riveting mix of colour,
expression, music, drama and dance is unparalleled in any other art form.
The dance form requires lengthy and rigorous training to attain complete control
of the body and sensitivity to emotion so as to be able to render all its
nuances through facial expressions and hand gestures. Themes revolve around the
two great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha.
Kathakali training lays great emphasis on complex body movements and facial expressions.
It is an exacting art form, which demands years of rigorous training. Until the
beginning of this century, Kathakali aspirants stayed with the Guru or teacher,
right from a young age and underwent a twelve-year course.
With the advent of formal training centres, this 'Gurukula' system has virtually
disappeared. As in Kalarippayattu, massage forms an integral part of Kathakali
training. The massage aims at acquiring body suppleness.
Students of Kathakali have to undergo rigorous training replete with oil
massages and separate exercises for the eyes, lips, cheeks and the neck.
'Abhinaya' (expression) is of as prime importance as 'nritya' or dance and
'geetham' or song.
Complementing highly evocative facial expressions, the 'mudras', and the music-
both vocal and instrumental, Kathakali unfolds stories from a bygone era with
finesse reminiscent of the Greek plays.
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