Mohiniattam one of the most lyrical classical dance forms of India originated in Kerala. The word ‘mohini’ stands for enchantress, a beautiful woman who seduces for a purpose, so it is actually the dance of the enchantress. It is deeply rooted in feminity, grace (lasya) and beauty (sringara). Mohiniattam can be singled out with admirable distinction, for its characteristic body movements, marked by the graceful sway of the torso. This enchanting dance of the enchantress is being presented by Jayaprabha Menon who is one of the most accomplished dancers of the new generation. Initiated into classical dance by Smt Kalamandalam Saraswathi, she is the disciple of Padmashree Guru Bharathi Shivaji and has also undergone bharatanatyam training under Smt and Shri C.V Chandrasekhar.
Her pleasing stage presence and graceful exposition has brought new aesthetics to mohiniattam. Jayaprabha’s widely acclaimed choreographies like Ritusamharam, Yashodhara and Kurukshetra blends refreshing originality with traditional discipline.
Jayaprabha Menon and Kalamandalam Manoj would be presenting Layalahiri a production based on Geet Govindam. Layalahiri is a combination of Kathakali and Mohiniattam, the two major forms of Kerala. The choreography intends to explore the points of convergence and divergence in the two forms, Kathakali being a representation of tandava and Mohiniattam an expression of lasya.