(wl-4933)-Whose Dance is it Anyway? The Mohiniyattam Predicament in Kerala

This article examines the recent controversy sparked by the casteist remarks made by Sathyabhama, a Mohiniyattam dancer from Kerala, trained at the prestigious Kerala Kalamandalam. Sathyabhama's comments provoked a public outrage in Kerala, leading the national human rights commission to initiate legal action against her. In the light of this controversy, this article attempts to trace the development of Mohiniyattam, showcasing its evolution from a stigmatized tradition to a classical dance form of Kerala. It further explores the challenge Mohiniyattam faced from Kerala Natanam, another distinct dance form, in its attempt to establish itself as the “authentic” Kerala dance. Moreover, the article contends that Mohiniyattam is not only a gendered art form, as most studies argue, but it is also instrumental in shaping various perceptions concerning caste, beauty, color, and social standing. Additionally, it examines the role of Malayalam cinema in aiding such a hegemonic cultural project. In the light of this historical context, the article re-examines Sathyabhama's problematic statements, situating them within the broader framework of Mohiniyattam’s “classical” tradition.