Learn Mohiniyattam Dance Style - Level 3
Intermediate
by Dr. Ayswaria Wariar
30 Years Experience
‘Top’ Graded Mohiniyattam Artiste at Doordarshan, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt. of India. Also, a senior Research Fellow (Mohiniyattam), Ministry of Culture, Govt of India.
US $27.6 per class |
for 1-on-1, 60 mins class
Recommended: 1 class per week | 12-16 weeks to level up
Pay as you go, 2 classes at a time
You can choose your time slots in the next step. ipassio has thousands of happy learners from the US, Canada, Australia, UK, Europe, UAE, and India.
Instruction Language
: English, Hindi, Marathi
Course Summary
This course is designed to guide students on their journey to becoming confident Mohiniyattam performers. Through structured training, students will explore:
- Nrtta (pure dance)
- Kerala Taalas (traditional rhythmic patterns)
- Abhinaya (facial expressions and emotional storytelling)
- Theoretical insights into the compositions they’ll be learning
At the heart of this training lies the Mohiniyattam repertoire called ‘Seva’, a beautifully crafted maargam consisting of eight distinct segments. Typically, one composition is performed per segment. In Level 3, students will dive into four of these eight segments in depth.
The ‘Seva’ repertoire was conceptualized and composed by Padma Bhushan Shri Kavalam Narayana Panicker, the revered guru of Dr. Ayswaria Wariar, who has choreographed all the pieces in this course. Deeply rooted in Kerala’s cultural and spiritual heritage, this repertoire draws inspiration from Kerala temple architecture and the profound concept of worship.
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Teacher's Profile
Teacher Skill Keywords
Mohiniyattam
Education
PhD from Bharatidasan University
Masters in Dance from Pune University
Work Details
Director - AICE - Ayswaria's Institute For Creative Expression
About the Course
In Level 3 of the Mohiniyattam course, students will be introduced to four powerful and spiritually rich segments of the ‘Seva’ repertoire. Each piece offers a unique combination of movement, music, rhythm, and philosophy—rooted in Kerala’s cultural traditions.
1. Tyaani – The Sacred Beginning
This is the opening piece of the repertoire, performed as a shloka before invoking Lord Ganapati. The Tyaani taught in this course, “Tirupaal peruvalathin naduvil”, is set in Raag Vrindavani Sarang. It beautifully portrays the Sopānam—the symbolic, ladder-like steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum of a Kerala temple. Tyaani sets the spiritual tone for the entire performance.
2. Gaṇapati – The Divine Invocation
Structured from the traditional literary and musical heritage of Kerala, this composition pays homage to Lord Ganapati. Set in Raag Aarabi and Cempata Taala, it skillfully weaves lyrical verses with rhythmic syllables in the Kerala style. The result is a dynamic, prayerful performance rooted in both devotion and rhythm.
3. Mukhachaalam – A Technical Showcase
Mukhachaalam is a pure Nrtta piece—an intricate and lively display of footwork and rhythm. The name itself means “movement at the beginning,” marking the grand opening of the dance. Set in Raagamalika and Taalamalika, this composition is packed with Mohiniyattam adavus (dance units). It ends with a touch of sahityam (lyrics) and concludes in a thrilling rhythmic finale.
4. Tatvam – A Journey Into Philosophy
Rooted in the Vedantic idea of Tat Tvam Asi (“You are that”), this piece brings together dance, symbolism, and spirituality. It reflects the ritual of pradakshina (circumambulation) around the temple and the offering to sacrificial stones. In this course, students will learn the Śiva Tatvam, set in Raagamalika and Ayyadi Taala.
Note: Other variations include Devi Tatvam, Divakara Tatvam, and Ganga Tatvam.
About the Teacher
Ayswaria Wariar is a highly trained and acclaimed Mohiniyattam performer with an impressive experience of 30 years.
She has a PhD in Dance (Mohiniyattam) from Bharatidasan University. Ayswarya is ‘Top’ Graded Mohiniyattam Artiste at Doordarshan, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt. of India. She is also a Senior Research Fellow (Mohiniyattam), Ministry of Culture, Govt of India.
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By the end of this course, you will:
- Master rare and traditional compositions in Mohiniyattam that are not commonly taught, deepening your repertoire and artistic range.
- Develop a strong command over Kerala’s indigenous tala system, gaining fluency in its unique rhythmic patterns through practical training.
- Strengthen your skills as a performer, with focused mentoring to help you grow into a confident and expressive Mohiniyattam dancer.
- Gain deeper insight into the compositions you perform, with regular theory discussions that enhance your understanding of lyrics, rhythm, meaning, and context.
- Build versatility in your learning journey, with the option to select specific segments of the ‘Seva’ repertoire if you come with prior training in another Mohiniyattam maargam.
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Before beginning training in the ‘Seva’ Maargam of Mohiniyattam, students are expected to have completed Levels 1 and 2 of this course.
Alternatively, students with prior experience may also qualify—provided they have already trained in:
- All Mohiniyattam Adavus (basic movement vocabulary)
- Hastas (hand gestures)
- Charis (leg movements)
- Shlokas (sacred verses)
- Kavitas (poetic compositions)
This foundational knowledge is essential to understand and perform the repertoire with precision, depth, and expression.
... Read More
Available For All Age-Groups
86 Online live sessions completed
Our teachers recommend customized classes for an effective learning experience. Here's why!
Every individual
Has a unique learning style
Is at a different learning stage
Has different strength and flexibility
Has a different caliber to understand and replicate steps
Has different mind-hand coordination
And a different GOAL!
Available For All Age-Groups
86 Online live sessions completed
Our teachers recommend customized classes for an effective learning experience. Here's why!
Every individual
Has a unique learning style
Is at a different learning stage
Has different strength and flexibility
Has a different caliber to understand and replicate steps
Has different mind-hand coordination
And a different GOAL!
What you get?
World-class masters as teachers
Personalized & Interactive 1-on-1 classes
Course studio that amplifies passion learning
Access to global creative community
Pay as you go - 2 classes at a time
Milestone-based learning for best results
Statement of Accomplishment
Teacher's performance bits for reference
World-class masters as teachers
Personalized & Interactive 1-on-1 classes
Course studio that amplifies passion learning
Access to global creative community
Pay as you go - 2 classes at a time
Milestone-based learning for best results
Statement of Accomplishment
Teacher's performance bits for reference
FAQs
Additional Resources
What Makes ipassio Your Best Fit?
Online, real-time classes
From the comfort of your home, 1 on 1 online interactive classes are scheduled at your convenient time.
World class performers as educators
Award-winning teachers customize the course just for you. Their structured learning methodology lets you always track your progress.
Pay as you go
No long-term commitment. Pay for as few as 2 classes at a time. When you can't make it for the class, you can mutually reschedule with ease.