What is the classical dance scenario in Kerala?
Kerala is the land of highly classical artforms like Koodiyattam and Kathakali. There were very talented artistes. Once the state-wide youth festivals were started, the focus suddenly shifted, especially among the parents, teachers and students. Students would just learn one item to perform at a youth festival. And this performance also assured them an academic seat in a college. Slowly, mediocre teachers mushroomed. Video piracy is at its highest in Kerala. These teachers would watch videos or a TV channel and copy the dance choreography and teach it to their students. And now, with more media exposure, the scene is changing. After seeing the professionalism in other states, learning dance has become as serious as any other subject. You seem keen to also groom Mohiniattam dancers. . . I dont want my tradition to be lost after me. I’ve faced several hardships. I’ve known teachers who were reluctant to teach. They would hold back in sharing their knowledge and experience… I want to le
