Centre for Mohiniyattam is devoted to the cause of Mohiniyattam, the exquisitely graceful dance-form of Kerala. Established in Delhi several years ago, with a branch in Kerala, its activities involve research, training, and propagation of Mohiniyattam. Over the years, through its innumerable presentations, it has played a significant role in not only initiating and kindling interest in audiences both within and outside the country but has also added a refreshing dimension to Mohiniyattam.

Several group choreographies have been presented in Mohiniyattam. Be it Chandrotsavam, one of the earliest productions, inspired from the golden era of Manipravalam literature in the 16th century highlighting the literary tradition, or Deva-Geeta based on Jayadeva’s Geethagovindam, celebrating the divine-love of Radha and Krishna, highlighting the musical tradition of Kerala, Somastuthi inspired from the Vedic scriptures or Athira, which was inspired from the folk legends of Malabar or Unniarcha inspired from Kalaripayattu , the martial art of Kerala, they have all added in giving a much-needed new lease of life to this dance-form.

The relentless efforts of Padmashri Smt. Bharati Shivaji, the founder-director of the Centre for Mohiniyattam has ensured that today Mohiniyattam has not only come to be acknowledged as one of the major classical dance-forms of India but has been firmly ensconced on the world map.

Vijayalakshmi has over the years played a major role in contributing towards all the productions of the Centre and has undertaken the task of managing the artistic and administrative functioning of the institution. Swan Lake is her attempt to explore the idiom of Mohiniyattam through a different genre of music.