Kathakali
 This dance is particularly popular in Kerala, a state in South India. It has a
beautiful combination of music, story and emoting. In this dance form, 'emoting' has dominance. The dance
features stories of Ramayana, Mahabharat or any other mythological story. The actor playing the role comes on
the stage and enacts according to the story while in the back ground, musical compositions are played to
explain the Bhavas.
Kathakali dance is characterized with the dominance of 'Tandava' element and Veerta (Bravery), Adbhut (spectacular)
and Shant (peace) rasas are also established. The body movements are complex and the number of mudras also are many
more than those found in other classical dance forms. In this style of dance, the Abhinay part is important.
The dance begins with a prayer to God sung from behind the screen. Thereafter, the instrumentalists play
together and male or female dancers come on the stage gradually and emote according to their roles through body
movements. For example, if the role of Ravana is to be played then all the expressions will be that of Roudra or
Bhayanak Ras (Anger). As a result the actor does not recite the dialogues like in a drama but emotes through facial
expressions and body movements.
Costume of Kathakali: In this dance costume designing and make up are of great importance. Characters wear tight
jacket and colorful ghaghara (long skirt) which remains blown. They also wear a crown according to the role whose
halo may stretch up to their feet. The color of the face is according to the role. The faces of gods are green,
that of demons, red or black. Women and other minor actors have natural coloued face. The decoration and make up is
according to Abhinaya.
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