Ashtapadiyattam is a stylized southern Indian classical dance form that combines features of Kathakali and Bharatanatyam. It is a set of hymns in the Ashtapadis, which was written by the 12th-century poet Jayadeva — a part his most well-known work Gita Govinda. The eight stanzas of the Gita Govinda are called an Ashtapadi and its made up a series of these songs that mainly revolves around Radha-Krishna devotion.
Five Important Elements Of Ashtapadiyattam —
Dance Genre: It is a blend of classical dance, drama and music which are represented on the temple stage like most other Kerala temple arts such as Kathakali and Koodiyattam.
Story: They are lyrical and signify the love, devotion, pain of separation between Radha & Krishna. The dances are very expressive (Bhava) and generally accompanied by classical music.
Performers: Performances by highly trained dancers who communicate the profound emotions of Ashtapadis through intricate hand gestures, facial expressions and physical movements.
Costume and Makeup: As in many forms of classical dance style, dancers wear elaborate costumes with heavy detailed make up. They sometimes wear decorative headgear as well, especially for portraying divinity such as characters of Radha or Krishna.
Music: The Ashtapadiyatam performance is accompanied by classical music in Carnatic or Hindustani with vocal and various instruments including mridangam, flute, violin etc.
