Mohiniyattom, a mesmerizing classical dance form from South India, captures the enchanting allure of Mohini, the mythical seductress in Hindu mythology. Performed solo by women, this lyrical dance form combines subtle, fluid movements with expressive gestures and intricate facial expressions, embodying grace, charm, and romantic allure.
Mohiniyattom stands out with its soft, rounded gestures and seamless flow, setting it apart from the dramatic vigor of Kathakali and the sharp precision of Bharatanatyam. Rooted in the ancient Natya Shastra, Mohiniyattom embraces Lasya, the feminine style of dance that focuses on beauty and elegance, often accompanied by classical Carnatic music. Traditional pieces like Cholkettu, Varnam, and Padam create a poetic narrative, while contemporary elements like Kaikottikkali add a regional touch. This unique blend of influences makes Mohiniyattom a captivating experience, celebrating both tradition and the timeless art of storytelling through dance.
Unlike the dramatic energy of Kathakali, Mohiniyattom focuses on softer, subtler gestures that express emotion through fluidity. Each performance blends upper body movements, which are often slower and more graceful, with faster-paced footwork, making the dance feel both anchored and ethereal. The choreography includes complex facial expressions and delicate hand gestures that help the dancer embody Mohini’s charm through a seamless fusion of music, gesture, and costume.
Traditionally performed solo by women, Mohiniyattom is rooted in South Indian classical traditions. It is usually accompanied by Carnatic classical music, which adds a gentle romantic quality to the performance. The dance truly lives up to its name, the “dance of the charmer,” drawing from influences across both eastern and western South India to create a mystic aura. Mohiniyattom includes the refined, dynamic hand movements characteristic of Bharatanatyam while grounding itself in the powerful stance of Kathakali. The resulting gestures seem to bloom like petals, blending grace with strength in a way that evokes both innocence and charm. This synthesis of influences creates a dance that is enchanting, refined, and charged with a deep emotional resonance that lingers in the minds of the audience.
The structural foundation of Mohiniyattom shows strong similarities to Bharatanatyam, though it also has distinctive qualities. There are no abrupt jerks or forceful stomping in Mohiniyattom; instead, the movements are smooth, flowing, and highly expressive. The mudras, or hand gestures, in Mohiniyattom are more rounded and delicate than those in Bharatanatyam. While Bharatanatyam emphasizes both nritta, or pure dance, and nritya, the expressive aspect of the dance, Mohiniyattom incorporates these elements but with a more nuanced, restrained style that accentuates its lyrical quality.
At its core, Mohiniyattom is a Lasya dance, a style focused on feminine grace, beauty, and elegance as detailed in the Natya Shastra, an ancient Indian text on performing arts. The traditional performance structure includes key items such as Cholkettu, Varnam, Padam, and Thillana. Over time, elements like Kaikottikkali and Kummi have been incorporated into the dance. Kaikottikkali, a joyful group dance performed by women, and Kummi, a lively social dance, add a regional flavor that makes Mohiniyattom both relatable and classical. The inclusion of Swarams, or Tala-based singing, allows students to master the rhythm and visual aesthetics of the dance while also honing their performance skills. Adding Kaikottikkali and Kummi introduces a more accessible, community-driven feel to the dance, which helps preserve its classical roots while also adapting to the needs of contemporary audiences.
Performing Mohiniyattom requires a high level of skill, as the dance demands unique steps and poses. The footwork often includes influences from Odissi, another classical Indian dance form, creating a stylistic blend that adds complexity. Mohiniyattom also pays tribute to Kathakali in its eye movements; dancers use their eyes to convey emotion and narrative, bringing the story of Mohini to life through expressive, nuanced looks that give the dance its intense, immersive quality.
While Bharatanatyam typically embodies samtham (tranquility) and veeram (valor), Mohiniyattom primarily focuses on sringaram, the mood of love and allure. This emotional depth, combined with the emphasis on beauty and grace, distinguishes Mohiniyattom from other classical dances, allowing it to delve into expressions of romance and charm with a depth and subtlety that are unique to this art form.
