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 Bharata Natyam :
It is believed to be india's oldest form of classical dance. This dance form which is called poetry in motion, has its hoary origins in the natya sastra written about 4000 b.c. by sage bharatha. This art form grossly disallows new fangled innovations or gimmicks except in repertoire and forms of presentation. It was originally known as 'dasi attam,' a temple art performed by young women called 'devadasis.'
Bharatha natyam is commonly performed by women, but sometimes by men also. There are strict guidelines laid down regarding every single aspect of the art including the attributes required in order to be an accomplished dancer.
Chakyarkoothu :
Also called koothu, is one of the oldest classical theatre arts of kerala. The solo dance is usually presented in the koothambalam of temples to the accompaniment of the mizhavu and elathalam. The performance begins with an invocation to the presiding deity of the temple. The narration is enlivened with the thandava dance movements, gestures and facial expression according to the guidelines in natya sastra. Koothu is distinct for its comic element which adds to its dramatic character. Themes are usually from the epics. The costume is colourful and bizarre with a strange headgear
Kathakali :
This spectacular classical dance drama of kerala based on the guidelines laid by sage bharatha's natya sastra, the ancient treatise on dance and drama, is over 500 years old. This elaborate art form is usually performed in the evenings and continues up to dawn, and is an integral part of all temple and cultural festivals in kerala. The costumes and makeup are ornamental, elaborate and designed to give a superhuman effect. The actors do not speak or sing but enact the story through mudras (hand gestures), graceful movements and facial expressions. The themes of this awe inspiring art are taken from india's rich and colourful mythology. Music is an essential feature of kathakali, with two vocalists who sing to the accompaniment of a chengila (gong), elathalam (small cymbals), chenda and maddalam.
Mohiniyattam :
This classical solo dance form combines the graceful elegance of bharatanatyam with the vigour and dynamism of kathakali, to create a mood that is predominantly sringara (erotic). The dance is usually performed on specially put up stages in connection with temple festivals. The costume is the traditional white mundu and melmundu of kerala. The hair is gathered and put up at the side of the head and adorned with jasmine, int the traditional style.
THEYYAM
Theyyam is one of the most outstanding ancient dance form of Kerala. It has its origin in the northern parts of the state. It is a very fascinating ritual practised for centuries by the tribal people and the villagers of Northern Kerala. This folk art form is also called Thirayattam, because every thira or village performed this ritualistic art at the village temple. The Theyyam or Kolam (a form or shape), represents a mythological, divine or heroic character. There are over 350 Theyyams in northern Kerala.
 t is a dance form glorifying the Theyyam, the local deity, who is believed to bless and arbitrate between the farmers and their landlords. This primitive ritualistic art demands long hours of preparation before the performance. The bizarre head dresses, costumes and body painting and trance like performances are very extraordinary. Each one has a distinguishing headgear and costume made out of natural materials like leaves and bark. Musical accompaniments are chenda and veekuchenda (drums), elathalam and kuzhal (horn). Theyyam is always performed by men. Female roles are also enacted by men wearing suitable makeup and colourful costumes.
During the festival season between January and April, Theyyam performances can be seen in the villages in the erst-while Malabar region, especially in the Kannur District. There are regular Theyyam performances at Sri Muthappan Temple in Parassinikadavu, which is some 20 km north-east of Kannur town.
KOODIYATTAM
Koodiyattam is perhaps the oldest dance drama form still in existence in India. Koodiyattam literally means dancing together. Based on the Sanskrit text, a performance of this art form may last from a few days to a few weeks.
The survival of this age-old Sanskrit theatre against all odds owes to the Chaliyar community. Deprived of the right for the Vedas, they are a caste intermediate between Brahmins and Nairs by status. Their principal vocation has been natya (the theatrical art). Koodiyattam can claim an antiquity of 2000 years. Some references to this art form can be seen in the treatises of the second century Chilapathikaram
Among the various classical theatre forms, Koodiyattam is the only one staged strictly in accordance with the tenets of ?Natyasastra?. It is Kathakali's 2000 years old predecessor. Makeup patterns and costumes of Koodiyattam are believed to be the forerunners of the Kathakali costume. It is traditionally enacted in the temples as a votive offering to the deity.
Usually excerpts of plays like Subhadra Dhananjayam, Abhishekanatakam, Balacharitam, Ascharya Choodamani etc are staged nowadays. Enacting each of the fourteen verses of Subhadra Dhananjayam itself lasts for three to four hours. The play is presented in Koothambalams (temple theatre). The koothambalam is elaborately decorated with plantain trees, bunches of tender coconut and fronds of coconut leaves; the stage, however, is simple. The construction of a Koothambalam is based on natyasastra, known as the fifth Veda. These theatre halls surpass their modern counterparts in architectural excellence in respect of illumination and accoustics. There are at present fourteen such theatre halls in Kerala.
The traditional rhythm accompaniment is on mizhavu. The ecstatic drumming on this primordial percussion instrument helps the Chakkyar to delineate the myriad moods as demanded by the play. The Chakkyar performs the role of the male characters. Female characters are portrayed by Nangiars, the women folk of the Nambiar community. They also assist the Chakyars in background singing and in keeping the rhythm with kuzhithalam (small cymbals). The costumes in Koodiyattom vary according to the characters.
Today, performing artistes among the Chakyars have been reduced to an endangered species. Ammaur Chachu Chakyar, Paimkulam Rama Chakyar, Padmasree Mani Madhava Chakyar are great exponents of this ancient theatrical art form. Chachu Chakyar Smaraka Gurukulam at Irinjalakuda is imparting training on this ancient art form. Koodiyattom is performed only at a few temples of Kerala such as at Irinjalakuda, Kottiyur etc.
 KALARIPPAYATT
Kalarippayatt is the traditional martial art of Kerala. It is believed to be the forerunner of all eastern martial arts . It has played a significant role in the technical development of all other performing arts in Kerala. Its roots can be traced back to the 12th century when skirmishes among the many feudal principalities were very common.
Kalarippayatt is still taught in Kerala. The CVN Kalari Sangham in Thiruvananthapuram imparts training in Kalarippayatt. The founders of this Sangham played a significant role in the revival of Kalarippayatt. There are Kalries in north Kerala too, especially in Kozhikode.
Masters of Kalarippayatt are called GURUKKAL. Kalarippayatt is taught inside a special arena called KALARI, which is part school, part gymnasium and part temple. A kalari is constructed following traditional principles. Its rectangular design is always aligned east - west direction and Hindu deities are represented at each corner.
Training in Kalarippayatt begins at a very young age. Both boys and girls are taught. Learning requires ritual stretching and flexing exercises to achieve balance and concentration. To increase suppleness of limbs, a full body massage is given. During the course of the training, various weapons are introduced including the sword and shield of the medieval warrior.
THIRUVATHIRAKALI
Thiruvathirakali is a classical dance form, which is a pointer to the old customs followed in the Nair tharawads (joint families). In this dance form, the women of the house dance elegantly around the ceremonial lamp or floral decoration on festive occasions to the accompaniment of the Thiruvathira pattu (song).
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