"Mohiniattam: the name that inspires all women......"

Mohiniattam means the dance of the enchantress to be more precise ‘Mohini’ the most beautiful lady moves gracefully to enchant everybody.

It finds its origin in ‘Balarama Bharatham’ where though nothing about the dance itself is mentioned the term ‘Mohini Natanam’ secures an important place. However the apt details of its origin is still unknown. Mohiniattam deemed its Renaissance in the period of the very artistic king Sri Swathi Thirunal Maharaj who not only patronized the art form but was the root cause for the popularity and propagation.

Later through the establishment of “Kerala Kalamandalam” legendary personalities like Chinnammu Amma, Madhavi Amma, Kalyani Kutty Amma gave this art form complete enrichment bringing out the unique techniques of this graceful art form.

From them the lineage was continued by great Gurus like Guru Smt. Sathyabama, Guru Smt Bharathi Shivaji, Guru Dr. Kanak Rele who made this art form a dimension which could be adapted by many.

Many, even today refer Mohiniattam as a slow classical dance style but the subtlety of the movements which are performed in Mohiniattam is absolutely a task to master. This comes with rigorous practice and sincere efforts as the line between grace and vulgarity is very minimal.

The Gurus laid foundation and formed a neat repertoire which consisted of Chollukattu, Ganapathi Sthuthi, Mukhajalam, Padam etc which was primarily performed in the Sopanam style of music to the lyrics in Manipravalam and Malayalam. This again was performed only with long years of training, where the Arangettam was surely in the premises of a Temple amidst great Gurus, Scholars, Musicians and intellectuals.

Mohiniattam became a stagnant art form catering to the audience of Kerala. As the days went by the Government gave this art form importance and made it as one of the classical dance styles of the country. Later some great Gurus started composing pieces which catered to connoisseurs of varied backgrounds.

Ashtapadis, Javalis , Bhajans are always a delight to watch and hear, they linger around our memories even after the completion of a concert. This again was included in the repertoire of Mohiniattam to make it communicative and Pleasant to all genres.

The costume of Mohiniattam was strictly white with gold border as a significance to serenity and pious essentials of womanhood. As we all know white always accentuates purity and class, hence we could say that keeping this in mind the costume of Mohiniattam could have been evolved. But today, small changes have been brought out in the drapes of the same like using different coloured borders ( kasavu), change of colour in the complete costume depending on the themes etc. changes brought out in the costume, hair do , accessories are always a controversial subject but such controversies never bother top notch artistes as they focus on the theme.

Sometimes a Mohiniattam artiste of the present generation might feel the lack of support and encouragement which could have been a part of her growth might be deteriorating at different levels but every artiste has her own platform and openings depending on the dancers caliber, character and most of all sincerity towards the art. Lord Krishna quotes in Bhagavad Gita that karma has to be performed with utmost sincerity and commitment, the result of which will be decided by Me.

Keeping in mind the same we travel on the path of Art which will lead to an unambiguous and unequivocal success.

- Dr. Rekha Raju.

Dr. Rekha Raju is a senior disciple of Prof. A. Janardhanan learning abhinayam and navarasam. A PhD graduate Rekha has a Vidwath (proficiency) certificate also. She is an "A" graded artiste in Doordarshan and an empanelled artist of the ICCR.

She is the artistic director of Nrithya Dhama temple of fine arts where around 400 students get trained in Bharatanatyam and Mohiniattam. She has received several awards like Yuva Kala Pratibha, Swarna Mukhi, Nrithya Koumudi, Nrithya Vibhushan, Best Young Dancer  Banglore, Tamil Sangam, Nrithya Rejini etc. She has traveled extensively all over India and places like United Arab Countries, South Africa, Malasia, to name a few.

She has choreographed dance ballets like Nava Devi Nava Durge, Meera, Laya Lasya, Poothana. She is actively involved in social work training kids from freedom Foundation and St. Teresas home.