The modernism has not able to sweep away the rich heritage of customs and tradition from the minds of Keralites. That’s why the traditional art forms of Kerala still growing. The dance is an integral part of the people of Kerala. Some of the dance forms of Kerala are;

Kathakali

Kathakali is the greatest and complex of all art forms and it has the history of 300 years. This oldest art form is famous world wide. Even foreigners come to Kerala to study this art. It is a dance form with heavy make up and splendid costumes. The body language of the dancers is rigorous, nevertheless very graceful. Always it tells the story from the Epics and Puranas. The orchestra consists of Madhalam, Chenda, Chengila and Elathaalam and the two vocalists. Some people did experiments in Kathakali by telling stories from bible too. Normally Kathakali is performed in the evening and continue till sun rises. But there are occasions in which it is performed at other time which last for just 2 or 3 hours.

Mohiniyattam

It is the classical dance form of Kerala. Simply we can say it is a poetic motion by a pretty lady and hence the name MOHINI (pretty lady) AATTAM (dance or movement according to the music). All the movements in this dance form are gentle like a BREEZE. Their movement resembles that of palm leaves or the flow of rivers. The costumes are also elegant. The Kerala saree worn in a particular model with jasmine flower on the hair which is knotted on one side of the head is marvelous. With the slow, graceful and swinging movement of the body and the emotive eyes, the dancer captivates the viewers. The language used in the song is MANIPRAVALAM.

Koothu

It is a solo narrative performance. Traditionally it is performed by a particular community known as CHAAKYAR and so it is also known as CHAAKYARKOOTHU. Originally it was performed inside a temple and so it took epics and Vedas as its subject. Now the subject of this performance is varied. It may contain the current social, political issues whatever the performer feel comfortable and apt. They take this as the opportunity to criticize and ridicule anyone even prominent personalities. So now its performance came out of the traditional stage to the wider audience. It can also performed by the female of the CHAAKYAR community called NANGYAR and then it is called NANGYARKOOTHU. The instruments used are MIZHAVU and CYMBALS

Koodiyattam

This is the earliest classical dramatic art form of Kerala based on NAATYSASTRA by Bharathan. Koodiyattam means perform together. As the name indicates it’s a performance by a pair. The male character is done by the Chakyar and the female role by Nangyars. The Nangyars beat the cymbals and recite verses in Sanskrit, while in the background Nambiars play the Mizhavu, a large copper drum.

Ottamthullal

It is another dance form of Kerala, developed by Kunjan Nambiar the famous Malayalam poet. It is a solo performance, in which the performer sings and dances simultaneously. He is assisted by a musician who gives leads from behind. Madhalam and a pair of cymbals are the instruments. It is known as POOR MAN’S KATHAKALI. It is also a temple festival and its themes are based on mythology.

Theyyam

It is a ritual dance form, popular in North Kerala, a blend of dance, and music which unveil the basics of ancient tribal culture. It is performed in front of shrines or curtains by Vannan, Malyan caste.

Kalaripayattu

It is the martial art form of Kerala. It is the oldest and more scientific in the world. The training school of this martial art is KALARI. Its practice aims the co-ordination of mind and body. Kalaripayattu the martial art form of Kerala is reagarded as the oldest and more scientific in the world. Training in combat is given at the kalari (training school). The principles of kalari education stipulate that training in martial art begins with an oil massage of the body, which goes on until the body is agile and supple. Kalaripayattu training aims at the ultimate co-ordination of the mind and body. The traditional training in a kalari includes specialization in indigenous medical practice too.

Margomkali

It’s a Syrian Christian art form. A dozen dancer sing and dance around a lighted lamp (NILAVILAKKU) in the simple traditional white Christian dhoti (CHATAYUM MUNDUM). The instrument used is a cymbal. The songs date back to a period much before the Portuguese invasion. Now it is only a stage item.

Oppana

It is the traditional dance form of Malabar Muslims. It is the part of the wedding eve and festivities along with henna designing. . Maidens and young female relatives sing and dance around the bride, clapping their hands on the eve of the marriage. Often the themes are teasing comments about the bride's anticipated nuptial bliss. Oppana is often presented as a stage item today.

Thiruvathirakali

It is a dance performance by a group of women. The dance is a celebration of marital fidelity and the female energy. Standing in a circular position around a NILAVILAKKU and performing the curving movements by clapping hands and singing reveals the charm and grace of feminine. Today, Thiruvathirakali has become a popular dance form for all seasons.

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