Posted on 9 May 2026:
Navalaavanyam: Mohiniyattam Workshop by Jayaprabha Menon in Kochi
In the quiet embrace of tradition, Navalaavanyam emerges as a nurturing space for young talents, guided by the artistry of Jayaprabha Menon, one of the foremost exponents of Mohiniyattam. Held on May 18th and 19th (10 A.M — 1 P.M) at Lokadharmi Theatre, Kochi, the workshop invites participants to explore the delicate interplay of nritta and abhinaya through the unique lens of pneumonics in Mohiniyattam.
Turning its gaze to the very heart of the dance form, Navalaavanyam reveals how nritta and abhinaya intertwine with the rhythmic syllables of Kerala’s percussion. The subtle art of ‘vaithari’ and ‘chollu’ is explored here, weaving sound and gesture into a seamless tapestry without ever compromising the essence of Mohiniyattam. Introduced by Kavalam Narayana Panicker, the pure nritta presentation of Mukhachalam enriches the sopanam sangeetham repertoire, guiding dancers toward deeper authenticity.
At the helm of this journey is renowned Jayaprabha Menon—a versatile choreographer and affectionate Guru whose performances embody the union of dancer and dance, where graceful nritta merges with expressive abhinaya. Guided by stalwarts like Kalamandalam Saraswathy, C.V. Chandrasekhar and Bharathi Shivaji, she has carved choreographies that embrace puranic depth while resonating with contemporary sensibilities. Her creative path, enriched by the wisdom of Padma Bhushan Kavalam Narayana Panicker, affirms her quest to preserve the intrinsic identity of Kerala’s classical treasure.
Honoured by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan (2016) and celebrated with accolades such as Kala Shree, Lasya Sree and Mahila Gaurav Sammaan, Jayaprabha Menon’s four-decade career stands as a luminous testament to devotion and excellence. As Director of the International Academy of Mohiniyattam, New Delhi, she continues to mold young talents into consummate performers, ensuring the radiant continuity of the dance form.
Her artistry, collaborations with legends like Birju Maharaj, Sonal Mansingh and Raja-Radha Reddy, and her presence on national and international stages affirm that if dance is the mother of all arts, Jayaprabha Menon is indeed its blessed daughter. From the graceful geometry of movement to the subtle poetry of expression, Navalaavanyam promises to deepen understanding of Mohiniyattam while inspiring fresh interpretations.
“The objective of this workshop is to groom young dancers into professionals and to propagate the sopanam style of Mohiniyattam,” say organisers, affirming its vision of continuity and excellence.
NAVALAAVANYAM BECOMES MORE THAN A WORKSHOP—IT IS A CELEBRATION OF CONTINUITY, WHERE TRADITION BREATHES ANEW IN EVERY GESTURE AND GLANCE. CONTACT: 9999003765 | 8527321206
