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Mohiniyattam dancer Swapna Sivakumar dancing an excerpt from Padam - Poonthen Nermozhi. Choreography by Guru Bharati Sivaji Sung by Rajagopalan, Idekka by Hari, Mridangam by Santhosh, Veena by Rajalekshmi -- Mohiniyattam means “the dance of the enchantress,” and it is one of the most graceful dance styles among the South Indian Classical forms. Evocative of Kerala’s swaying paddy plants and coconut trees, it is characterized by movements in the tradition of Lasya (grace) and Sringara (love). Poonthen Ner Mozhi is an expressional dance piece. In this dance, the nayika, meaning heroine, has separated from her beloved Lord Padbhanaba, the preserver of the universe. She is commiserating with her friend about her sadness – remember that day when he came, we sang together so sweetly and played a veena. When will that happiness come again? I am unable to bear the pain of our separation anymore; will you please go and convey my message to him?
