Mohiniyattam Dance Class for Beginners

This course gives students wanting to master Mohiniyattam dance steps an opportunity to learn from an expert. Literally meaning “the Dance of the Enchantress,” this ancient form of artistic expression is rooted in femininity, grace, and beauty. Hailing from South India, Mohiniyattam is known for its distinctive swaying of the torso combined with subtle glances, posture, and gait. Each lesson lasts approximately two hours with a total of 12 lessons. The course material for each lesson is carefully designed by Momm Ganguly based on her practised teachings per the progress and capacity of each student. 

At the beginning of the course, each student learns the background and history of this ancient dance form, followed by exercises designed by the teacher to prepare the student for abhinaya—the Indian art of expression. Once the basics of body language, facial and eye movements are practised, students delve into the standard steps of the dance, such as chovudas and adavus. As the course progresses, pieces of classical music in the Sopana style are introduced as students are instructed on how to flow from one movement to another naturally. At the successful completion of the course, students will have a greater ability to express themselves through classical Indian Mohiniyattam tradition.

The ipassio edge: Students enrolling for this long-term course on ipassio can be sure that they receive individual attention from the teacher, as the class strength is limited to 3 students. It also gives teachers the opportunity, to gauge their students progress in depth and make changes whenever and wherever required, to ensure the student gets the maximum out of this course. Sinc long term courses are detailed, students get the advantage of learning intricate details about this art form. The limited strength of the class also ensures that there is a strong bond between the students and their teacher clearing out any inhibitions that the student might have. Learning from a revered, experienced exponent of this art form, through the long duration of this course, keeps the student inspired and motivated to achieve more.

About the teacher: Momm Ganguly is a renowned classical dancer and accomplished performer, both at home and abroad. Hailing from a Bengali family of musicians and dancers, Momm began training at an early age with Guru Shakti Nag, and later with Padmashree Guru Smt Bharati Shivaji of Delhi. She holds a master’s of fine arts degree in dance from Rabindra Bharati University and has been performing classical Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam dances for over three decades. Her facial expressions, supple body movements, and striking stage presence make her a dancer in the truest sense of the word. Currently, Momm Ganguly teaches dance from her studio in Kolkata and performs at festivals all over the world.