Mohini Attam

The youngest form of classical Indian
dance, found mainly in the modern
state of Kerala. Mohini Attam was developed in the early eighteenth century
at the royal court in Travancore in
Kerala. This style of dance shows traits of
both Bharatanatyam and Kathakali, a
Keralan dance form. The dance is
named after the mythical enchantress
Mohini and projects a coquettish
sensuality. Some of the dance’s physical
poses are taken from Bharatanatyam,
whereas the stylized hand gestures
(mudras) come largely from Kathakali.
For further information see Mohan
Khokar, Traditions of Indian Classical
Dance, 1984.