Mohiniyattam - Adavus
by Aswathy Srikanth

Mohiniyattam Adavus
Mohiniyattam is a uniquely graceful classical dance form which has its origins in Kerala. Mohiniyattam is synonymous with "lasya" or grace and the movements of the dancer remain rooted in this stance. "Adavus" are the basic steps which form the nritta element of any dance form. The "adavus" of Mohiniyattam are a combination of chuvadu or footwork, mudras or hand gestures and charis,, movement of the body as a whole and manadalas which are postures. They are classified on the basis of the "vaaythaari" or the syllables recited, and positions of the feet.

Mohiniyattam - Hastas
Mohiniyattam is a uniquely graceful classical dance form which has its origins in Kerala.Though it has its roots in the Devadasi tradition, Mohiniyattam has matured over the years to carve a niche of its own in the world of dance. The "hastas" or "mudras" (hand-gestures) of Mohiniyattam have been derived from the text "Hastha Lakshana Deepika".The author of this text remains unknown but it is the most important document which artists of Kathakali, Mohiniyattam , Thullal, and many other dance forms look up to for guidance and instruction. There are 24 basic hastas in Mohiniyattam and a few others have been borrowed from Bharata's Natya Sastra and His Highness Karthika Thirunal's Balarama Bharatham.

Aswathy started her training under her mother, renowned dancer, Smt.Kalamandalam Saraswathy, at the tender age of four, giving her first stage performance at the age of seven. Her devotion to the art has bonded her with dancer N.Srikanth and dance has become a synonym for life. Aswathy is trained in Bharatanatyam, Kuchupudi and Mohiniyattam and has many performances to her credit both in India and abroad.