Seeking to make her way into the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest dance performance, well-known danseuse Kalamadnalam Hemalatha started a five-day-five night 'Mohiniyattam' presentation in Thrissur on Monday.
Hemalatha, a product of Kerala's premier art school Kerala Kalamandalam, will perform from 9 AM to 9 PM till she achieves the long-cherished goal.
Before beginning the show,Hemalatha, however, said personal glory was not the sole purpose, but to showcase to the world the glory of Mohiniyattam, Kerala's contribution to Indian dance traditions.
"My aim is not just a Guinness Record. Mohiniyattam is the traditional art form of Kerala and I would like to spread its glory all over the world. If I can set a world record by performing the art, it will surely get global attention," she said.
The current Guinness record for the longest dance performance is held by Hyderabad-based Dr Vattikkota Yaadagiri Acharya who performed continuously for 108 hours, she said, adding that she wished she could break the record.
After graduating from Kalamandalam, Hemalatha also took a degree in Bharathanatyam from Bharathidasan University in Tiruchirapalli and MA (Bharathanatyam) from Indira Kala Viswa Vidyalaya, a deemed university at Chattisgarh.
She has given performances in various classical dance forms in India and abroad over the years.