Kathakali is a dance form of storytelling, originated in Kerala and has won hearts all around the world. A Magnificent dance form using elaborate makeup and vibrant costumes, essentially means story play. Originated in the 16th and 17th Century around the same time as Shakespeare, Kathakali is the Indian answer to story telling. Nowadays it’s no longer restricted to temples or men, Kathakali now is performed widely in theatres and is India’s most recognizable dance form.
Why should you learn this dance form?
- Just like love, dance is also Natural. The dance form not only will develop your cognitive and emotional skills but will eventually make you a story teller.
- It’s a great way to learn and preserve our Culture.
- From making you physically strong, learning the dance form shall significantly improve your focus.
- Yoga being an mode for physical conditioning in the art form, is a great addition to your mental and physical well being.
- Conquering our stage fear, kathakali gives a colourful opportunity to represent India.
- Studies have shown that practising facial expressions will improve your features and attractiveness.
Kathakali is an amazing dance form that beautifully represents the culture and art of Kerala. This dance form involves subtle facial expressions, slight hand and feet movements, and a unique dancing costume that is way different from conventional classical dance forms. Kathakali is the representation of humanity in Hinduism which helps the audience to look back on history.
The main element of this dance form is its coordination between eye expression, hand movement, and leg movement. In this dance performance, there are always two main characters that are good and evil which can be distinguished by their facial paintings and masks.
Costumes play a very crucial part in this dance form since they dress according to their characters. Male dancers mainly wear dark-colored full-sleeve jackets and often bulged-out skirts. All dancers generally wear the same skirts except the Minukku dancer. On the other hand, the Female dancers generally white sarees along with red jackets and ornamented scarfs.
Learner’s outcome
- Who can Learn it
- If you are in love with performing arts, stage or storytelling this is the art form for you.
- Starting from the age of 7 learning this dance has no age limit, start when you find the eagerness inside.
- From men , women and children the dance is for everyone willing to practice discipline.
Perquisites
- Willingness, love and patience are the foremost, a part of Ghungroos.
- Will need the costumes, masks and makeups at the time of stage performances.