Kerala Natanam (കേരള നടനം) (Kerala Dance) is a new style of dance that is now recognised as a distinct art form evolved from Kathakali, a form of Indian dance-drama. The Indian dancer Guru Gopinath (ഗുരു ഗോപിനാഥ്) a well-trained Kathakali artist and his wife Thankamani Gopinath who was the first student of Mohiniyattam in Kerala Kalamandalam developed a unique structure for teaching and performing classical dance forms of India whose origins are from Kathakali. Solo, duets, dance dramas and traditional folk dances were the material they chose.[1]
Guru Gopinath and Thankamani's dance programs found traditional pieces existing side by side with those modified to present a variety of themes. Their style relied heavily on the angika abhinaya (body movements and gestures) and satvika abhinaya (facial expressions) from Kathakali. The major stance of Kathakali was changed by Gopinath to a more convenient pose that could rest well with the tribhanga concept.[2]
Another significant deviation was in aharya abhinaya (costume mode) where they adopted costumes and facial makeup to suit the role. Thus, in a dance on Jesus Christ, the dancer dressed like Christ. In social dances the artists wore the dress of labourers, peasants, folk, etc. Likewise roles of Srikrishna, king, snake charmer, hunter had the appropriate attire. For the first time Carnatic music compositions used for concerts were rendered into dance forms by Gopinath. Unlike traditional Kathakali and Mohini attam, a variety musical instruments were added to his presentations.
Even though during his lifetime Guru Gopinath did not give a name to his style, after his death the movement to give his style a name gained momentum. In 1993, during the Global Conference on Guru Gopinath and Kerala Nadanam held in Trivandrum, a Sanskrit definition was given to this style by his students: Keraleeya Shaastriya Sargaathmaka Nrittham — "A traditional creative dance style originating from Kerala."
Kerala Nadanam can be performed in three ways: Ekamga Nadanam (solo), Samgha Nadanam (group), Nataka Nadanam (dance drama enacting a story). Male–female pair dancing is a distinct style in Kerala Nadanam. So also he has extended the dance drama to five or six hours long performance called Indian ballets.
KeralaNatanam (കേരള നടനം) (Kerala Dance) is a new style of dance that is now recognised as a distinct art form evolved from Kathakali, a form of Indian...
dance', 'Kathakali Natanam' and later 'KeralaNatanam' (Keralanatanam), without sacrificing its essence and classicism. KeralaNatanam can be called a stylised...
theatres during the classical period under the patronage of royal houses. Keralanatanam, Thirayattam, Kaliyattam, Theyyam, Koothu and Padayani are other dance...
that interprets ancient epics; a popularized offshoot of kathakali is Keralanatanam (developed in the 20th century by dancer Guru Gopinath). Meanwhile,...
Kecak Kechagiadikos Keisabadi (Folk dance from Odisha, India) Kenshibu KeralaNatanam (Indian dance created by Guru Gopinath) Kerkiraikos Khaleegy Khanchobany...
kathakali—from katha ("story") and kali ("play")—and its offshoot KeralaNatanam, koothu (akin to stand-up comedy), mohiniaattam ("dance of the enchantress")...
Nehru University, Delhi. Nikhila learned Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi, KeralaNatanam and Monoact and made her presence at youth festivals. She graduated...
This is a votive offering for family wealth and happiness. KeralaNatanam (കേരള നടനം) (Kerala Dance) is a new style of dance that is now recognized as a...
Mammootty. She mastered dance forms like Kathakali, Bharathanatyam, KeralaNatanam and many musical instruments. From the age of seven, she performed all...
is an art institution founded by Guru Gopinath to impart training in KeralaNatanam, Kathakali and Ottamthullal. Vinodini, then popular as Baby Vinodini...
and popularized an innovative dance style called KeralaNatanam (originally named Kathakali Natanam). Thankamani's Pantadi dance and Udyana Varnana together...
Ottamthullal, Oppana, KeralaNatanam, Mohiniaattam and Yakshagana. Thirayattam is a Ritualistic Performing art of South Malabar region in Kerala state. The Bharatanatyam...
Makaravilakku is an annual festival held on Makara Sankranti in Kerala, India at the shrine of Sabarimala. The festival includes the Thiruvabharanam (sacred...
(Uttar Pradesh, Classical Indian Dance) Kathakali (Kerala, India, Incorporates dance) KeralaNatanam (Indian Dance created by Guru Gopinath) Krishnanattam...
dance form. Other regional folk dances include Karakattam, Kavadi, KeralaNatanam, Koodiyattam, Oyilattam and Puravaiattam. The dance, clothing, and sculptures...
(Malayalam: വിഷു) is a Hindu festival celebrating the Malayali New Year in Kerala, Tulu Nadu, and Mahe of India. Vishu falls on the first day of the month...
Arudhra Darisanam is a Hindu festival celebrated in the Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Thiruvathirai (Arudhra) in Tamil means "sacred big wave"...
northern-style classes under Naraynan Nair. "Profiles - GURU GOPINATH AND KERALANATANAM by T Sasi Mohan". Kathakali Guru Gopinath Mani Madhava Chakyar...
The Thrissur Pooram is an annual Hindu temple festival held in Thrissur, Kerala, India. It is held at the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur every year on...
Thiruvirkudi. The Thyagarajar Temple at Tiruvarur is famous for the ajapa natanam (dance without chanting), that is executed by the deity itself. According...
he mastered all the basic lessons in Baratanatyam under the tutelage of Natanam Sivapal and in Parayan Thullall, under Vechur Thakamani Pillai. Thullal...
kali (Meaning: Tiger Dance) is a recreational folk art from the state of Kerala, India. It is performed by trained artists to entertain people on the occasion...
situated at Wadakkanchery in Thalappilly taluk of Thrissur district in Kerala, South India. The temple is famed for its Pooram festival held during February...
Festival) is an annual Hindu Temple festival in the Kalpathy of Palakkad in Kerala state, south India. The festival is at the Sri Visalakshi Sametha Sri Viswanatha...
വൈരങ്കോട് തീയാട്ടുൽസവം) is one of the most popular annual festival of Kerala celebrated at the Vairankode Bhagavathy Temple (വൈരങ്കോട് ഭഗവതി ക്ഷേത്രം)...
Kottankulangara Festival or Chamayavilakku is an annual Hindu festival in Kerala, India in which male devotees dress-up as females. The festival takes place...
Global Information
