Elements of Indian classical dance

Indian classical dance

Indian classical dance are essentially Bharatanayam, Kathak, Kathakali, Odissi, Mohinyattam, Manipuri and Kuchipudi. Each of these dance forms have evolved their own techniques, tradition, music and performance standards. Added to this is the style which the exponents of each of this art form follows while rendering their performance on stage.

What is common to all is the abinaya or expression.



Abhinaya

Abhinaya is common to all Classical Indian dances. Abhinaya is the expressional aspect of dance, or nritya. In contrast to this, Nritta is composed of only pure dance and will feature striking and aesthetic poses, but will have no expressional meaning and symbolism. Abhinaya have been categorised into four types:

Angika - or physical, using movements of every part of the body to convey meaning, with hastamudras (hand gestures), mandis (postures) and even the walk of the dancer.
Vachikabhinaya - or vocal/verbal, used formally today by members of the orchestra or supporting, non-dancing cast.
Aharyabhinaya - or external, expression, mood and background as conveyed by costume, make-up, accessories and sets.
Satvikabhinaya - or psychological, shown by the eyes in particular and as a whole by the entire being of the performer, who feels the mood, the character and the emotion as emanating from the self, not as an act or practical presentation.

The Navrasas or the nine moods

In addition, the navarasas, or nine emotions, give all dance a completeness that allows the dancer and the rasikas (audience) to experience the full beauty and meaning of the lyrics and the movements they are portrayed by.

These emotions are expressed in the eyes, the face, subtle muscle shifts and the body as a whole.
1. Hasya (happiness)
2. Krodha (anger)
3. Bhibasta (disgust)
4. Bhayanaka (fear)
5. Shoka (sorrow)
6. Veera (courage)
7. Karuna (compassion)
8. Adbhuta (wonder) and
9. Shanta (serenity).