Mohiniyattam

Mohiniyattam is a dance form said to have originated in Kerala. It is closely related to Bharathanatyam of Tamil Nadu, which was originally called 'Dasiyattam'. Originated as the temple dance performed by Devadasis, it portrays feminine love in its myriad forms - carnal, devotional and maternal- with accent more on Lasya and Bhava. In the main items Cholkettu, Padavarnam and Padam, Mudras and facial expressions are more important than the rhythmic steps. Costumes and ornaments of Mohiniyattam have much in common with female characters of Koodiyattam and Kathakali.    

Bharathanatyam

Bharat Nãtyam, the Indian Classical Dance from South India-Tamil Nadu, has been one of the oldest and the richest classical dance of India. It's antiquity lies about 3000 years ago with a mythological as well as a historical origin. It was initially known as Sadir-attam (court dance) and also Dãsiattam (performed by the daasis-the servants of God).

In its popular connotation, the name Bharat Nãtyam is understood in two ways:

It is the dance (nãtyam) , that beautifully blends the three elements - 'Bha'-Bhãva (from expressions), 'Ra'-Rãga (from musical melody) and 'Ta'-Tãla (from rythm).
The name 'Bharata' is after the great author of the treaties, "NATYA SHASTRA"(an encyclopedia on Dance, Drama and Music).

Kuchipudi

The name Kuchipudi denotes both the dance style that has come to prominence since the 50s and the tiny, remote village where it was born. Kuchipudi, little known outside a few villages skirting it, has no come to occupy a very significant place on the dance map of India, though it has yet to acquire the prestige and acceptability it fully deserves. Situated in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, it is 32 miles from Vijayawada

Kuchipudi has a great history. Six miles away from it lies Srikakulam, the ancient capital of the Satavahana empire (2nd century BC). The rulers of the Satavahana dynasty were great patrons of art. From the inscriptions found here, on the temples of Andhra Vishnu, which was the most sacred shrine of those days, it is evident that no fewer than 300 devadasis consecrated to the deity, received royal patronage. The sculptures excavated in this area have crystallized into stone the effulgent grace of those women whose dance was an act of worship.    

Fusion