Origin and lineage

Mohiniyattam evolved in the temples of Kerala, drawing its name from Mohini, the enchanting feminine form of Vishnu in Hindu mythology. The form was codified and revived in modern times by gurus like Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma and continues today in the Kalamandalam tradition.

Distinctive features

Mohiniyattam is characterised by a gentle, swaying torso movement (andolika), soft graceful steps, white and gold costuming, and the signature wavering rhythmic feel of Kerala. Where Bharatanatyam is geometric and angular, Mohiniyattam is curved, flowing, and almost oceanic.

How a class is structured

Lessons begin with adavus (basic step vocabulary) specific to the form, then move into Cholkettu (the invocation), Jathiswaram, Varnam, Padam, Tillana, a Margam similar in structure to Bharatanatyam but in the Mohiniyattam vocabulary throughout.