MOHINIYATTAM

Maharaja Swathithirunal of the kingdom of Travancore {Trivandrum},who was a great patron of arts , heard of Sri Vadivelu's experiment with western violin , and a new instrument was added to the realm of carnatic music.The king encouraged the brothers to extend their art. At this juncture on the request of the King Sri Vadivelu formulated the new artform Mohiniyattam.The song of Mohiniyattam is based on carnatic music and the language used is Manipravalam {a mix of Malayalam and Sanskrit }.Instruments used are veena ,maddalam ,flute ,edakka etc.The costume includes white or off white sari with broad golden zari typical of Kerala.The attire is tailored with broad zari done in a pleated style.The hairdo is also a traditional one with white flowers.

KATHAKALI

As a classical art form Kathakali does stand apart from other dances in this category, mainly due to its costume and make-up.It may be totally out of space to a spectator if he doesn't have a proper outline about the story line of the art form being performed on the stage.Whereas any other form will always be appealing to ones senses due to its flawless music and enchanting sways, though different from each other but unique in its own way.Kathakali does share some similarities with various art forms of Kerala.

KATHAK

Before proceeding about the various gharanas {schools} of Kathak ,let us take a look at the most important gadget used by the dancers, called the GHUNGURU or the bells.These are small bells the dancer ties around his or her ankles.The kathak bells are different form those of other Indian styles , as they are not affixed to a pad or strip of leather , they are individually woven along a thick string.The number of bells ranges from 25 for beginners to 150 for experts on each ankle.The scintillating foot works are like fireworks with the accompaniment of these ghungurus.

MANIPURI

Among the classical categories the cult of Radha and Krishna particularly "RASALILA" is a highly evolved dance drama choreographed on vaishnavite padavalis. The song is composed by eminent Bengali poets and some Manipuri gurus.It is the highest expression of artistic genius , devotion and excellence of Manipuris.Sometimes the cymbals {Kartal or Manjira} and double headed drum {Pung or Manipuri mridang} of Sankirtan is incorporated into the visual performance.

ODISSI

The ODISSI tradition existed in three schools : Mahari ; Nartaki and Gotipua.
Maharis were Orissan devadasies or temple girls.Their name deriving from Maha {great} and Nari{Woman}.Thus Mahri means the chosen one.This especially denotes those at the temple of Jagannath Puri.Let us peep into the grandeur of The Lord at puri who is none other than Lord Krishna in company of his brother and sister.The lord is considered as Purushotham , the Lord of the universe or the supreme personality of the universe.Also known as Dham , it is one of the Holy Kshetras of India including temples at Rameshwaram , Dwaraka and Badrinath.

KUCHIPUDI

Another unique feature of Kuchipudi is the Tarangam , in which the performer dances on the edges of a brass plate , executing complicated rhythmic patterns with dexterity , while sometimes also balancing a pot of water on the head.There is a beautiful legend behind the origin of this beautiful dance form.As we know Kuchelapuram is a small town around 65 km from Vijayawada.