| Beautified with bountiful of nature's beauty and | | | | as well as the classical and folk dances of the state. |
| architectural masterpieces of yesteryears, Kerala is a | | | | This dance is usually performed as a solo dance. |
| wonderful holiday destination of India. This coastal state | | | | Chakiar koothu - It is one of the ancient socia-religious |
| of India is enriched with rich cultural heritage which can | | | | arts of Kerala, which is performed mainly in the |
| be easily witnessed in its various dance forms. These | | | | 'Koothambalams' or the 'Koothuthara' of temples, either |
| dance styles of Kerala are old and has a history over | | | | independently or as a part of Koottiyattam. This dance |
| 500 years ago. | | | | form is famous for its comic elements, mime and |
| Kerala dances can be classifieds into three types | | | | satire. |
| namely folk dance, classical and semi-classical dance. | | | | Oppanna - It is a dance form which is usually |
| Some of the excellent dance forms of Kerala are as | | | | performed by the relatives of a bride during a Muslim |
| follows | | | | wedding. Muslim ladies of Malabar region sing and |
| Kathakali: Kathakali is a classical dance of Kerala. It is a | | | | dance around the bride, clapping their hands. The |
| theatrical dance which is a unique combination of | | | | wedding songs are first sung by the leader and are |
| literature, music, painting, acting and dance. Kathakali is | | | | repeated by the chorus. This wedding song is known |
| nearly a 300 year old dance form which has evolved | | | | as "Mappila Pattu". The themes of these songs are |
| form performing arts like Kootiyattam and | | | | mainly teasing and commenting related to nuptial bliss |
| Ramanattam. It has now qualified as a universal art | | | | of the bride. |
| form. In past, it was performed only in temple premise | | | | Velakkali - Velakkali is a marital dance form performed |
| but now it is open to all. Kathakali events are | | | | in some of the south Kerala temples by Nair warriors |
| performed throughout the year. | | | | holding their wooden swords and shields. It is one of |
| Mohiniyattam - Mohiniyattam is a semi-classical dance | | | | the main attraction of Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna |
| form performed mainly by the ladies. Mohiniyattam | | | | Temple festival of Alappuzha district. |
| which literally means "dance of the celestial | | | | These are some interesting dance forms of Kerala |
| enchantress", is an amalgamation of Bharathnatyam | | | | which reflects the rich culture of the state. |