Art has flourished in Kerala since the ancient times. Amongst a host of performing arts, dance has always taken the centre-stage in Kerala. The dances of Kerala include Kathakali, Mohiniattam and Thullal. Besides these, Theyyam, Koothu, Krishnanattom and Kootiyattam are also practiced in Kerala. The traditional dance forms mainly draw inspiration from the ancient texts and epics. Hence the subjects of these performances are episodes from various legends and myths of India. Kathakali is one of the most well known dance forms in Kerala. It would be more appropriate to term Kathakali as dance-drama. This form of art involves flamboyance and lot of toil.

Apart from this Indian classical dance, two other forms of traditional dances are still performed by the Hindus in Kerala. One of them is Mohiniattam, the Dance of Enchantress. Superficially Mohiniattam resembles the Tamil classical dance, Bharatnatyam, but it is less complex in its mime, and, in comparison, rustically vigorous and angular. It is a very ancient dance, originally practised by women of the Nambiar caste and associated with the temples; outside the sanctuary of the 12th-century temple at Trivikramangalam there are relief carvings of sacred dancers who are found to be performing an early type of Mohiniattam.

Ottan Thullal, the other important surviving dance form in Kerala, was invented in the 18th century by one of the most remarkable Malayalam poets, Kunchan Nambiar. The solo dancer, who is accompanied by two musicians, follows in the tradition of the village story-teller, and does not need a temple yard. He can put on his performance anywhere, singing, dancing and miming his poems, and alternating straight narration with vivid representations of the characters in dialogue. The Thullal-kathas, the texts of Ottan Thullal, are really ballad dramas. Kunchan Nambiar wrote sixty of them, as full of social observation and criticism in their pointed asides as the Canterbury Tales. To this day, the strain of contemporary criticism persists in Ottan Thullal, and, though the frame of the story, as in Kunchan Nambiar`s originals, is still derived from Puranic literature and concerns such familiar heroes as Krishna, Rama and Nala (a particular favourite with Malayalis), the actors are not above introducing topical references to recent events, rather in the manner of an English pantomime, which is always the same but always topical.

Theyyam is another important dance of Kerala. It is also known as Thirayattam. However this dance form belongs to the folk traditions. Theyyam is a performed to glorify goddess Kali. The word literally means Goddess and is often considered to be a corrupt form of `Daivam.` There are customary dances as well, like, the Thiruathirakkali Dance. This dance takes palce during marriage ceremonies. The women enact this dance while wishing a happy life to the married couples. Traditionally Thiruathirakkali Dance is part of the customs followed by the Nair families. It is performed in the month of Dhanu (December-January).

Martial dances are also common in south India. In Kerala, Velakali is still performed in certain temples. The dancers are dressed up as warriors and carry wooden swords and shields. It is often seen that make up and costume play an important role in the dances of Kerala. In certain dance forms, different kinds of make-up are used on the dancers depending on the characters they portray on the stage. The use of masks is also common. So whether it is Kathakali or Velakali, attires and make-up are given proper attention.

Kerala is a land of cultural hegemony. Besides the ancient Hindu dances, there are a number of performing arts that belong to the other religious communities. For instance, Duffmuttu is quite popular with the Muslim population of Kerala. The roots of this dance form lies in Arabic music. Even today the music that accompanies the dance performance is Arabic. The name of the dance originates from the musical instrument that is used in this form of dance, known as the Daff, a percussion instrument. Another Kerala dance is the Oppana. Performed on the wedding day, Oppana is more popular in the Malabar region of Kerala. Margamkali is a Christian community dance and is performed during special occasions, like, marriage.

Such varied and interesting dances of Kerala have definitely enriched its art and culture over the years.