MOHINIYATTAM

Once again delving into the historical background of Mohiniyattam , the first reference of MOHINIYATTAM is found in VYAVAHARAMALA composed by Mazhamangalam Narayana Namboodiri , who lived in the 16th century.This artform is considered to be older than KATHAKALI the much acclaimed dance drama of Kerala.Another reference on MOHINIYATTAM can be found in the Ottanthullal {a semi-classical semi-folk dramatic artform ok Kerala} script Ghoshayatra authored by Kunjan Nambiar , during the second half of 18th century.Though Maharaja Swati Thirunnal was the torch bearer of this dance form , there was a sudden decline in the propagation of this after his period due to the feudalism prevalent in Kerala during the onset of British raaj.It was during the 1930 's when Kerala Kalamamdalam was instituted by the great poet Vallathol Narayana Menon that the art form gained some facelift under his patronage.

KATHAKALI

Kathakali is thus said to have evolved from other performing arts like Kootiyattam , Krishnanattam and Klaripayattu.This most sacred DANCE DRAMA of Kerala requires lenghty and rigorous training to attain complete control of the body and a sensitivity to emotion so aas to be able to render all its nuances through facial expressions and hand gestures.Kerala owes its transnational fame to this nearly 300 years old classical dance form which combines facets of ballet , opera ,masque and the pantomime.Kathakali too like the other dances explicates ideas and stories from the Indian epics and Puranas.

THE MODERN DANCE

Modern dance is a dance form which developed during the early 20th century.This was initiated , as a rebellious group of people felt that the classical ballet had features too restricting , not giving any space for outlet of emotions and feelings.
Isadora Duncan and Ruth st Denis of America and Mary wigman of Germany can be considered as the torchbearers of this great move.These dancers used emotions and moods to design steps instead of techniques.Thus this dance form focuses on the serious expression of inner emotions , using a free flowing interpretive style.
Later on it embraced contributiions of African-American dancers too.The founders of the modern dance composed their dances entirely on spirit ,heart and mind as opposed to todays modern dance which has more of a technical aspect too. To name a few SALSA , BREAK DANCE , HIP-HOP, JIVE , TAP DANCE, LYRICAL OR CONTEMPORARY , etc.Hence modern dance can be anything from HIP-HOP to break dancing to Jazz.

KATHAK

As we have already seen the origin of KATHAK DANCE goes back to 3rd and 4th B.C when professional story tellers or Kathakas were very popular.In Bana Bhatta's HARSHACHARITA there is mention about the same.Though its emergence was just like a dramatic form , by the 13th century a definite style had emerged , and also technical features like mnemonic syllables and BOL developed."BOLS" are a group of rhythmic words { eg:dha, ge ,na, tirakiTa or ta , thei , tat , tata , tigda .} which serve both as mnemonics to the composition and whose recitation also forms an integral part of the performance.This recitation is known as "PADHANT".

MANIPURI

Let us take a look into the origins of this dance form.As we know , there are an array of this dance.The copper plate inscriptions tell us that the king Khuoyi Tompole of 2nd century , had introduced drums and cymbals into Manipuri dance. But it is unlikely it had any resemblance to the present day dance style.It was again the Bhakti movement during the 15th century which brought about drastic changes , and Krishna Bhakti led to Rasalila's.

ODISSI

Saint Jaidev was a great poet, who lived in Orissa during the 12th century AD.He learned sanskrit with such passion and became one of the greatest poet in the same language.He was born in Kenduli Sasan {formerely Kendubilva}.This is very near to Puri.Even today , the village of Kenduli Sasan is replete with images of Madhava{Krishna}.Undoubtedly the great poet must have been influenced , by the devotional milieu in that area when he composed his magnum opus, THE GITA GOVINDA.It became very popular throughout India during a brief period of its compositiion ,perhaps it was regularly performed in the Jagannath temple of PURI.

KUCHIPUDI

Srikakulam was the ancient capital of the SATAVAHANA empire {2 BC.}.The rulers of Satavahana were great patrons of art.From the inscriptions found here , on the temples of Andhra Vishnu , which was the most sacred shrine of those days , it is evident many devadasies received royal patronage .The sculptures excavated from this area show the grace of the women , whose dance was an art of worship.