Title : Impact of Kathakali training on cognitive flexibility among Kathakali dancers in India
Abstract:
Kathakali, a classical dance-drama from Kerala, is a highly codified performing art that integrates elaborate costumes, expressive facial movements, intricate hand gestures (mudras), and complex body movements. Its rigorous training process involves years of observational learning, repetitive practice, experiential learning, and character immersion, requiring performers to memorise lengthy performance sequences, adapt to diverse character roles, coordinate with live music, and sustain attention under demanding performance conditions. These cognitive demands suggest that Kathakali training may facilitate cognitive flexibility and cognitive functioning, yet empirical evidence remains limited. The present study examined the influence of Kathakali training on cognitive flexibility and cognitive functioning using a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design. In the quantitative phase, 72 participants (36 Kathakali dancers and 36 non-Kathakali dancers) completed the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Results indicated no statistically significant differences between groups in cognitive flexibility; however, Kathakali dancers demonstrated significantly higher cognitive functioning. To further explain these findings, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine experienced Kathakali dancers. Reflexive thematic analysis generated seven themes: training process, cognitive flexibility, executive functions, attention and cognitive control, embodiment and character transformation, adaptive performance, and the contextual nature of cognitive flexibility. Participants described using perspective-taking, adaptive thinking, role switching, working memory, attentional control, mental rehearsal, and flexible decision-making throughout performance. They further highlighted the importance of embodiment and the rasa–bhava process in supporting dynamic cognitive engagement while noting that these skills were largely specific to performance contexts and did not consistently transfer to everyday life. Overall, the findings suggest that conventional self-report measures may not fully capture the domain-specific cognitive flexibility developed through embodied performance traditions. The study underscores the need for culturally sensitive assessment tools and highlights the potential of Kathakali-based training for applications in cognitive enhancement, education, dance movement therapy, and holistic well-being.
