Mohiniyattam is a semi-classical dance form.
It contains elements of Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi and Odissi. It is based on
the story of 'Mohini', the mythological seductress. The movements are graceful
like that of Odissi and the costumes sober and fascinating. It combines songs
in Malayalam with Carnatic music. It is performed mainly in Kerala. It is essentially
a solo dance. The first reference to Mohiniyattam is found in 'Vyavaharamala'
composed by Mazhamangalam Narayanan Namboothiri assigned to the 16th century.
In the 19th century, Swathi Thirunal, the Maharaja of erstwhile Travancore did
much to encourage and stabilize this art form. It was poet Vallathol who again
revived it and gave it a standing in modern times through Kerala Kalamandalam
which he founded in 1930.
