Kalamandalam Lathika

🪔 About

Kalamandalam Lathika stands as an eminent figure in the realm of Mohiniyattam, recognized among the first generation of teachers and performers instrumental in carrying forward the distinct Kalamandalam style of this classical Indian dance form. She holds the position of Instructor Grade II in the Mohiniyattam department at Kerala Kalamandalam, a prestigious institution located in Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur District, Kerala, India. This institution, founded in 1930 by poet Vallathol Narayana Menon, is a deemed-to-be-university dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and advancement of traditional Indian performing arts, including Mohiniyattam. Lathika's career at Kerala Kalamandalam underscores her commitment to the rigorous training methodology known as Gurukula Sampradaya, an ancient residential education system that fosters a profound bond between guru and disciple. Her contributions extend beyond performance and teaching; she is also a significant scholar of Mohiniyattam. She co-authored the comprehensive book 'Mohiniattam-History, Techniques and Performance' (Mohiniattam Charithram Sindhadham Prayogam) with her mother, the legendary Kalamandalam Sathyabhama. This publication serves as a vital resource, chronicling the evolution and techniques of Mohiniyattam over five decades and highlighting Lathika's deep academic engagement with the art form. As a faculty member, Kalamandalam Lathika plays a crucial role in upholding Kerala Kalamandalam's legacy of nurturing artistic excellence and inspiring new generations of dancers, researchers, and performers. The Kalamandalam style of Mohiniyattam, which she helps perpetuate, has achieved widespread recognition and popularity, particularly through its integration into Kerala's school youth festivals. While the provided sources do not explicitly name individual students directly trained by her, her long-standing tenure and influential position within such a prominent institution affirm her substantial teaching legacy within the Mohiniyattam discipline in India.