Dances of Kerala

Kerala has a rich repertoire of folk dances underlined by a religious tinge. Most of these dances are performed to the accompaniment of songs, often sung by the dancers themselves. There are over 52 eminent folk dances in Kerala. Of these dances, Kathakali, Kaliyattom, Mudiettu, Kolkali, Poorakkali, Velakali, Kamapadavukali, Parichamuttukali, Thappukali, Kuravarkali and Thiruvathirakali are the most popular.

Kathakali
Kathakali is a seventeenth century dance-drama. Characters with painted faces and elaborate costumes indulge in a combination of drama, dance, music, and ritual to re-enact stories from the ancient Indian epics, the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Accompanied by percussionists and background singers, the performers convey the story through elaborate facial movements and hand gestures. The lead singer provides the dialogues.

Mudiyettu
Mudiyettu is a ritualistic dance form performed by the Bhagavathy cult. The theme illustrates the glory and triumph of Bhagavathy over the demon Darika. The dancers wear elaborate costumes and facial painting.

Kolkali
During this performance, the dancers move in a circle, striking small sticks. The circle of dancers expands and contracts as the dance progresses. The accompanying music rises in pitch as the dance reaches its climax.

Poorakkali
This dance form is performed in Bhagavathy temples as a ritual offering during the months of March and April. Only trained dancers who are proficient in Kalaripayattu [a form of physical exercise in Kerala] can perform the Poorakkali. The dance involves 18 variations in rhythmic structure and is performed around a traditional lamp.

Velakali
Velakali is performed at temples during festivals. The dancers, clad in traditional clothes and headgear, engage in swordplay to the accompaniment of an orchestra. Velakali originated in Ambalapuzha where Mathoor Panicker, chief of the Chempakasserri army, promoted it to boost the martial spirit of the people.

Thiruvathirakali
Thiruvathirakali is a symmetric group dance performed by women during the festival of Onam. The performers dress in a mundu and neriyathu, singing Thiruvathira songs with a literary undertone. One of the performers sings the first line of a song while the rest repeat in chorus, clapping their hands in harmony. Moving in a circle, they bend sideways with every step and clap.

Parichamuttukali
Parichamuttukali is a martial folk dance. The performers dance with swords and shields in their hands, following the movements of a sword fight by leaping forward, striking each other with swords and defending themselves with shields. Martial songs are sung throughout the performance and cymbals beat in unison with the steps and swordplay