Kerala has a rich repertoire of folk dances. There are some famous dances in Kerala:

KATHAKALI DANCE
The most renowned art form, Kathakali is one of bamboozling array of performing arts and festivals to thrive. The art form of Kathakali crystallized at around the same time as Shakespeare was writing his plays, though elements of it can be seen in temple rituals that developed from as early as the 2nd century. The Kathakali performance is the dramatized presentation of a play usually based on the Hindu epics the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Puranas. All the great themes are covered-righteousness and evil, frailty and courage, poverty and prosperity, war and peace- and the setting encompasses both the terrestrial and the cosmic.

Drummers and singers accompany the actors. The script is vocalized by the singers but it's the performers who actually tell the story through precise movements, particularly mudras (hand gestures) and facial expressions. Traditionally, performances took place in temple grounds and went from 8pm until dawn; now, shorter performances in other open-air locales, as well as indoor halls, are also popular.

CHAVITTUNATAKOM DANCE
Chavittunatakom Dance in Kerala is one of the oldest dance forms in Kerala. Its history begins with advent of the Portuguese to the Malabar Coast of Kerala. It means 'Stamping Drama'. During the dance, the dancers stamp on the dance floor. This stamping is called Chavittu from where the name of this unique dance form of Kerala originates.
The glittering embellishments, beautiful dresses and European characters make this dance quite unique. Chavittunatakom Dance is considered to be successful only if the stage caves in with too much of stamping.

KOLKKALI DANCE
It is highly rhythmic dance which is performed by the agrarian classes. The rhythm of this dance is set by a harmonious synchronization of the tapping of the feet to the striking of sticks. The dancers sing and move in a circular form as they dance and strike the sticks in unison. Chanda, Elathalam, Mathalam and Changila are the musical instruments, which is used in this dance.

DUFFMUTTU DANCE
Duffmuttu is one of the famous dances in Kerala which is also known as Aravanamuttu. It is staged as a social event during festivals and nuptial ceremonies. Duffmuttu is a group dance performance popular among the Muslims of Malabar. During the Duffmuttu dance performance, the artistes beat the Duff, while the leader of the group sings the lead. The songs are often tributes to martyrs, heroes and saints.

KUTIYATTAM DANCE
Kutiyattam dance is the earliest classical dramatic art form of Kerala which means "acting together". It is a composition of dramatics, acting, and dancing. Mizhavu drums, small cymbals, idakka drum, wind instrument kuzhal, and conch shell are used to provide music for the play.

MOHINIYATTAM DANCE
Mohiniyattam Dance is one of the most beautiful dance forms of Kerala. Mohiniyattam is the classical dance form of Kerala which portrays feminine love. It is closely related to Bharathanatyam of Tamilnadu, Costumes and ornaments of Mohiniyattam have much in common with female characters of Koodiyattam and Kathakali. The language used in the lyrics is a pleasant mixture of Malayalam and Sanskrit, known as Manipravalam. The accompaniments for Mohiniyattam are Vocal, Veena, Venu, Maddalam and Idakka.