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"The classical dances of Kerala, the famous Kathakali included, are performed on the Surya Samudra's open stage against a background of the sun setting over the sea. It's heady stuff."
Kerala owes its transnational fame to this nearly 300 year old classical dance form, which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and the pantomime. It is said to have evolved from other performing arts like Kootiyattam, Krishnanattam and Kalarippayattu. Kathakali explicates ideas and stories from the Indian epics and Puranas. Presented in the temple precincts after dusk falls Kathakali is heralded by the Kelikottu or the beating of drums in accompaniment of the Chengila (gong). The riches of a happy blending of colour, expressions, music, drama and dance are unparalleled in any other art form. Another dance form is the sinuous dance of the enchantress, the Mohiniattam. This too, is a distinctive classical dance form of Kerala. Slow, graceful, swaying movements of the body and limbs and highly emotive eye and hand gestures are unique to this dance form. Concerts in Indian classical music too are organised at Surya Mandapam. The guests here can enjoy these audio-visual treats almost every evening. Besides, a break dance performance by a team of fishing village boys can also be witnessed. This is a kind of dance, which is a cross between the Jamaican, New York and Kerala styles! Kalaripayattu "Kalaripayattu or the traditional performing arts of Kerala are staged on the 'Surya Mandapam' a platform that projects into the sea." Many believe that Kalaripayattu begun the martial arts of Japan and China. Kalari means arena, Kalaripayattu is martial training inside an arena. Unlike karate, it does not involve the use of limbs as weapons and there is no improvisation; the movements are all schemed. Usually clad only in intricately folded loincloths, shining with sesame oil, the artists fling their bodies into the air, twisting into what seem to be impossible contortions. Kalaripayattu concerts can be enjoyed too when they are organised at Surya Samudra. | |||||||||||
SURYA SAMUDRA BEACH GARDEN | |||||||||||
India's famous classical dances, like Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Kuchipudi and Bharat Natyam, are performed on Surya Samudra's Surya Mandapam, an open stage set against the background of the sea where the sun sets.