To Pick Up....

.....Where we left off!
Wow two blog posts a week didn't seem like a lot, but...well it is. Anyway, so last post I talked about the physical component of  classical Indian dance, or Nritta (Previously, on Just Dance: Indian Edition...). This time we shall be discussing Abhinaya, or the emotive aspect! And it's time to define :)

Abhinaya: Derived from Sanskrit, the word literally means leading the audience towards an emotion.

• Abhi- towards
• naya - leading or guide

Abhinaya is divided into 4 types, as set by the Natyasastra (reminder: the ancient book).

• Angika Abhinaya - how a sentiment is expressed through the movement of the limbs, body, and face. Angika comes from the Sanskrit Anga, which means limbs.
• Vachika Abhinaya - how emotion is conveyed through speech. As far as dance goes, this relates more to the tonal qualities of the supporting music.
• Aharya Abhinaya - conveying tones and meanings through the costumes and makeup
• Sattvika Abhinaya - the dancer's own connection and personal experiences that are meant to be communicated to the audience (Ie. through tears, goosebumps, etc.)

Another important part of abhinaya is Navarasa, or Nine emotional states or themes (nava-nine, rasa - essence).
Sringaram (love), Hasyam (laughter), Raudram (Fury), Adbhutam (Astonishment, Wonder), Bhayanakam (Fear), Karunyam (Compassion), Bibhatsam (Disgust), Viram (Bravery, Heroism), Shantam (Peace)

Here's an example of pure Abhinaya in Bharatanatyam : Abhinaya in Bharatanatyam
In this piece, the heroine (known as the Nayika in Bharatanatyam) is waiting for her lover (boyfriend...thats the gist) and reminiscing about their times together. She asks her pet parrot to fly away with a message for him. This brings us to a topic known as the AshtaNayika, or 8 kinds of heroines. But for that, you shall have to tune in next time! Farewell!

~Prithvi