NAVARASAM (Facial Expressions)

A highly stylized technique in the invocation of bhava has been developed in Kathakali. This is called Rasaabhinaya. Indian dramatic theory explain 9 kinds of basic expressions (Navarasam)

As per the Dance expressions, the refined lot of expressions. (Other expressions do not find place amongst the "top" nine!) 

9 kinds of basic expressions 

1. Sringara – Love
2.hasya – comic
3.Karuna - compassion
4.Raudra – Anger
5.Veera – Valour
6.Bhayanaka – Fear
7.BhiBhatsa – Disgust
8.Adbhuta – wonder
9.Shanta – Tranquility

Shringara

Shringara means love and beauty. This is the emotion used to represent that which appeals to the human mind, that which one finds beautiful, that which evokes love. This is indeed the king of all rasas and the one that finds the most frequent portrayal in art. It can be used for the love between friends, the love between a mother and her child, the love for god or the love between a teacher and his disciples. But the Shringara or love between a man and a woman is easily the most popular form of this rasa.

Hasya

Hasya it the rasa used to express joy or mirth. It can be used to depict simple lightheartedness or riotous laughter and everything in between. Teasing and laughing with a friend, being amused and carefree or simply feeling frivolous and naughty -- these are all facets of hasya. Lord Krishna's childhood, when he was the darling of all Gokul is filled with many stories of his naughty activities. This mirth, which endeared him to all, is one of the common sources of hasya in all ancient Indian art forms. Clearly, where there is hasya, all is well with the world, there is joy all around and all are of good cheer.

Bhibatsya

Bhibatsya is disgust. The emotion evoked by anything that nauseates us, that revolts or sickens us is Bhibatsya. When something comes to our notice that is coarse and graceless, beneath human dignity, something which revolts or sickens us it is Bhibatsya that we feel. When Prince Siddhartha, as a young nobleman, saw for the first time sickness, old age and death, he was moved to disgust which later metamorphosed into sorrow, deep introspection and peace, as he transformed into Gautama, the Buddha -- or the enlightened one. Not surprisingly, this emotion is usually represented fleetingly. It usually acts as a catalyst for higher and more pleasant emotions.

Rowdra

Rowdra is anger and all its forms. The self-righteous wrath of kings, outrage over audacious behaviour and disobedience, the fury caused by an offense, the rage evoked by disrespect and anger over injustice are all forms of Rowdra, probably the most violent of rasas. Rowdra also encompasses divine fury and the fury of nature which is used to explain unexpected calamities and natural disasters. In Indian mythology, Lord Shiva, the Destroyer, is thought of as the master of all disharmony and discord. Shiva performing the tandav -- a violent dance -- is what creates havoc in the three worlds namely the sky, the earth and the nether world.

Shanta

Shanta is serenity and peace. It represents the state of calm and unruffled repose that is marked simply by the lack of all other rasas. Because all emotions are absent in Shanta there is controversy whether it is a rasa at all. According to Bharata, the author of NatyaShastra, the other eight rasas are as proposed originally by Brahma, and the ninth, Shanta, is his contribution. Shanta is what the Buddha felt when he was enlightened, when he reached the higher spiritual plane that led him to salvation or nirvana and freed him from the cycle of life and death.

Veera

Veera is heroism. It represents bravery and self-confidence. Manliness and valiance are the trademarks of a Veer or a fearless person. Courage and intrepidity in the face of daunting odds is heroism. Boldness in battle, the attitude with which martyrs go to war, and the valour with which they die are all aspects of heroism. Rama, the hero of the Ramayan, is typically the model for this Rasa. His confidence and heroism while facing the mighty ten-headed demon king Ravana is part of Indian legend, folklore and mythology.

Bhaya

Bhaya is fear. The subtle and nameless anxiety caused by a presentiment of evil, the feelings of helplessness evoked by a mighty and cruel ruler, and the terror felt while facing certain death are all aspects of bhaya. Bhaya is the feeling evoked while facing something that is far bigger and more powerful than oneself and which is dead set on one's destruction. Bhaya is the feeling of being overwhelmed and helpless. Dread, cowardice, agitation, discomposure, panic and timidity are all aspects of the emotion of fear. Bhaya is also used to characterize that which causes fear. People and circumstances that cause others to cower in terror before them are as central to portrayal of this rasa as those feeling the fear.

Karuna

Karuna is grief and compassion. The feelings of unspeakable tragedy and despair, utter hopelessness and heartbreak, the sorrow caused by parting with a lover, the anguish caused by the death of a loved one are all Karuna. So also, the compassion and empathy aroused by seeing someone wretched and afflicted is Karuna. More impersonal sorrows relate to the despair regarding the human condition in general, the feeling that all human life is grief and suffering. It is Karuna of this sort that the Buddha was trying to overcome on his path to salvation.

Adbhuta

Adbhuta is wonder and curiosity. The awe that one feels when one comes across something divine and supernatural, some power or beauty that is remarkable and never seen or imagined before is Adbhuta. Adbhuta is the curiosity of man regarding the creation of the world and all its wonders, the astonishment caused by seeing something unusual and magical. The appreciation of a marvel that goes beyond the routine and the mundane is Adbhuta. The glory of a king returning from a successful battle, the magical feats of a god are both adbhuta to a common man. Adbhuta is when divinity makes a surprise appearance in the world of men.

There are many dances classes to teach bharanatyam you may check the following for the same at your locals dance classes in mumbai,  dance classes in bangalore,  dance classes in pune. Pick the best one and Just Dance!...

Health and Bharatanatyam

Bharatanatyam is an amazing dance form to absorb if you need passion for fitness and love for the art! It is a beautiful combination of rhythm, melody and expressions. It’s a complete exercise for the body and mind.

Bharatanatyam incorporates 3 main aspects of classical Indian dance- Nritta, Nritya and Natya.

Nritta highlights movements of eyes, neck and limbs without conveying any meaning.

Nritya emphasizes on artistic gestures and facial expressions giving ‘bhava’ (mood or sentiment) to the body movements.

Natya signifies the visual expression of the meaning of dramatic or poetic composition being performed. A perfect combination of all three makes a majestic dance performance.

As we said before, Bharatanatyam is not just a dance, but an engaging way to enhance ones physical and mental well-being. If performed with absolute dedication, this could be as good as yoga.

There are many dances classes to teach bharanatyam you may check the following for the same at your locals dance classes in mumbai,  dance classes in bangalore,  dance classes in pune. Much like other dance forms, this is a good way to keep fit and learn something new at the same time. So if you want to get rid of extra fat and shape up your arms and thighs through an interesting activity, get on the floor with a pair of ‘ghungroos’. This is sure to bring a healthy smile on your face!

The dance requires the performer to remember a large number of dance steps (Hastas, Mudras and Karanas), and perform them in sync with the story. This sharpens the mental skills and concentration.

Read More Health Benefits here: 

 http://www.indiaparenting.com/health/326_2201/get-fit-with-bharatanatyam.html

Traditional Kathakali Dance

Kathakali is one in every of the oldest theatre forms within the world. It originated within the space of southwestern Bharat currently called the state of Kerala. 

Kathakali could be a cluster presentation, during which dancers take numerous roles in performances historically supported themes from Hindu mythology, particularly the 2 epics, the Ramayana and also the Mahabharata.

Aspects of Kathakali:

One of the foremost attention-grabbing aspects of Kathakali is its elaborate make-up code. Characters square measure classified in step with their nature. This determines the colors utilized in the make-up. The faces of noble male characters, like virtuous kings, the divine hero Rama, etc., square measure preponderantly inexperienced. 

Characters of high birth that have associate evil streak, like the demon king Ravana, square measure assigned an identical inexperienced make-up, slashed with red marks on the cheeks. Very angry or to a fault evil characters wear preponderantly red make-up and a flowing red beard. Forest dwellers like hunter’s square measure diagrammatical with a preponderantly black make-up base. Girls and ascetics have lustrous, chromatic faces.

The Technique of Kathakali

The technique of Kathakali includes an extremely developed language of gesture, through that the creative person will convey whole sentences and stories. The body movements and footwork square measure terribly rigorous. To achieve the high degree of flexibility and muscle management needed for this art, a Kathakali dancer undergoes a strenuous course of coaching, and special periods of body massage.

Costumes and Make-up:

The dancers wear massive head dresses, and also the contours of the face square measure extended with molded lime. The extraordinary costumes and make-up serve to lift the participants higher than the amount of mere mortals, in order that they'll transport the audience to a world of wonders.

The Orchestra of a Kathakali

The orchestra of a Kathakali performance includes 2 drums called the chenda and also the maddalam, at the side of cymbals and another musical instrument, the FTO taalam. Normally, 2 singers offer the vocal accompaniment. The design of singing specific to Kathakali is named Sopaanam.

The orchestra of a Kathakali organization is exclusive and provides not solely the background to the performing arts, however additionally is an extremely communicatory tricks team. Within the ancient village ambiance, the percussionists additionally offer content for the event by enjoying outside the venue for a few hours before the beginning of the show.

Traditional Kathakali performance

A traditional Kathakali performance begins within the evening and continues throughout the night, culminating at the auspicious hour of dawn, once smart finally conquers Evil. 

Today, however, it's been changed for the proscenium stage, and concrete audiences will participate during this pattern theatre expertise within the comfort of a luxurious area, among the span of a handful of hours.

 Check the following for  KATHAKALI - GURUS/PERFORMERS 

Mankombu Sivasankaran Pillai 

Ambalayami, Near Police Quarters

Chenganur, Kerala State.

Madavur Vasudevan Nair 

Kelimandiram

Kavanadu Kollam 691003 

Tel:+91-(0)-474-2793049 

madavurvnair@yahoo.com

Kalamandalam Gopi

Kapramana, Peramangalam

Trichur Dist. Kerala State. Tel:+91-(0)-487-711010

Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair

Lakshmi Nilayam

Thiruvazhivodu 

Palghat Dist. 679 514

Kalamandalam Padmanabhan Nair

Venad House, Shornur

Kerala State

Kumaran Nair KR

Keezhpadathil Veedu

Vellinezhi 

Palghat 679 504

Nelliyode Vasudevan 

Namboodri N V 

Nelliyode Mana, Poojappura

Thiruvananthapuram 695012 

Tel:+91-(0)-471-2342405

Kottakkal Appu Namboothiri 

Padinjare Paingott Illam 

Amayannoor Post Office 

Kottayam, Kerala 

Tel:+91-(0)-481-2543033 Inchakkadu 

Ramachandran Pillai 

Margi Kathakali School 

East Fort

Thiruvananthapuram 695023 

Tel:+91-(0)-471-2434066

A Janardhanan

C/O: Kalakshetra

Tiruvanmiyur

Chennai 600 041.

See Also:

Traditional+kathakali+dance from Anamika Nazer

References:

http://www.kathakalicentre.com

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/313197/kathakali

Move your body with perfect groove

Pune is considered by many to be Maharashtra's cultural capital. Due to a large student population, Pune also hosts many youth festivals. In other way Pune can be considered as the abode of dance festivals, it has spiritual dance festivals like Sawai Gandharva Music Festival and Shaniwarwada Dance Festival. Apart from these Pune also host International Dance Festival every year, it is a part of Ganeshotsav festival. Thus, one can say dance is part and parcel of every Punaites.

Originating from the Middle East, especially raqs sharqi, Belly dance involves more abdominal movements and other parts of the body (hips, shoulders, chest, etc.). 

There are number of benefits that a belly dance can do to your body:

• The heart operates more efficient and becomes stronger.
• Decreases the risk in developing diabetes, heart diseases and obesity.
• There is an augment in good cholesterol and reduction in bad cholesterol.
• It augments endorphins.
• Augments the body's efficiency to take in oxygen and makes you breathe faster.
• Increases the body muscle strength and elasticity.
• Aerobics pushes the blood faster and more energetically.
• Helps to reduce blood pressure.

Swing dance is most commonly known as a group of dances that developed with the swing style of jazz music in the 1920s-1950s. Swing dance is an umbrella of a variety dances related to dances, most of which are used interchangeably within single songs. These dances were created during the 1920’s and are still popular today. The most common type of swing dance is the ‘Lindy Hop’, which is more difficult but considered the most traditional swing dance. Two other common forms of swing include ‘East Coast Swing’ and the ‘Charleston’.  

Pune, being the nearest city to Mumbai, the capital city of Indian film industry, has many aspiring budding dancers who dreams of finding foot in the film industry one day or have their own dance academy (like, Shiamak Davar’s). There are some prominent dance academies like, National award winner Mangesh Lele's Dance Track Academy, Naach Dance Academy. Naach Dance Academy has class schedule is well structured. Each dance style has different timings, duration and specialized instructor. Dance Classes are there both on weekend and weekdays. So folks find out the best suited dance school for you or your kids nearest to your place. “You want to move the world, Start with your body.. Move your body, Every everybody. Move your body…”

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dance

http://www.dancemagazine.com/

Asamyuta and Samyuta Hastas

Asamyuta Hastas-Single Hands Gestures 

Shloka:

Patakas tripatakascha tatha vai kartarimukaha

Ardhachandro heralascha shukatundastathaiva cha

Mushtischa shikharakyascha kapitha katakamukaha

Suchasya padmakoshascha tatha vai sarpasirshakaha

Mrigasirsha paro gneyo hastabhinaya yoktribihi

Langulo helapadmascha chaturo bhramarastatha

Hamsasyo hamsapakshascha samdamso mukulastatha

Urnanabha tamrachudaha chaturvimsadime karaha

 Samyuta Hastas-Double Hands Gestures

Shloka:

Anjalischa kapotascha karkatah swastikastatha

Katakavardhamanascha utsango nishedhastatha

Dola pushpaputaschaiva tatha makara eva cha

Gajadanto vahittascha vardhamanastathiva cha

Ete tu samyuta hasta maya proktastrayodasha 

Watch the video here:

Check this for Dance Classes 

Dance-Do’s and Don’ts

Dancing is many fun after you apprehend the moves and if you're somebody WHO is absolutely not into it however need to get it on simply because of the circumstances - say a marriage as an example - then you would possibly feel awkward and doubtless somewhat disappointed too. In reality, there's nothing a lot of to stress concerning as dance is associate sort that just about anyone will grasp with somewhat steerage and apply. So, if you're attending to shake a leg, here are some do's and don'ts of dance that you just will confine mind. Check this for Dance Classes in Bangalore , Dance Classes in Delhi

Do's

• Practice your moves - active the correct moves is that the most vital a part of any dance. It’ll assist you improve your grace and change you to create your movements excellent. Apply your moves before of a mirror in order that you recognize however the audience can understand you.
• Join a dance category - obtaining trained from professionals will assist you go an extended means once it involves recreation. You’ll be able to be a part of dance categories in summer camps or a dance studio to induce trained. For example, you'll be able to notice several summer camps in Golden State for ladies specializing in varied styles of dance forms like jazz, ballet, and faucet then on.
• Expressions - Your expressions are an awfully vital of any dance then after you do your steps forever smile and take a look at to lip synchronization to the song taking part in within the background. Enable your expressions to speak the mood and feeling of the amount.
• Don't forget to possess fun! Whenever you are recreation, do not forget to simply relish the moves and go along with the flow. If you are not enjoying the dance yourself, then you cannot expect others to relish it too.

Don't

• Be self-conscious - If you're self-conscious or reserved, it reflects on your performance still. Before you precede stage, take a deep breath and let yourself feel the rhythm and also the beat of the music. This can be the time you get to zone out and perform only for the thrill of performing arts.
• Be stiff - ne'er be stiff whereas recreation because it must be done graciously. Be versatile and let your body move with the rhythm. Do not try to curtail the movements after you dance.
• Be stressed - If you're anxious and stressed whereas recreation, you are certain to let yourself forget your dance chronology. As always, do not forget to require in a very few giant gulps of air.

References:

http://www.ryanseacrest.com/2013/07/21/looking-to-impress-in-the-club-5-dos-and-donts-on-the-dance-floor/

http://www.charlottearthurmurray.com/dos-and-donts-of-dance/

Dance Tips for Beginners

Learn to Dance

Dance could be a fantastic hobby enjoyed by many of us throughout the world. Besides being voluminous fun, Dancing is nice for you, each physically and mentally. Anyone will find out how to dance...it's all a matter of learning the way to move your body.

Choose a Dance fashion

Tap Dancing

Are you a trifle swamped by the various totally different dance styles? With numerous kinds of dance to settle on from, however does one grasp that one is true for you?

Find a Dance category

Ballet category

Once conceive to begin Dancing, you'll wish to recruit during a few categories. However does one realize the proper dance class? What must you rummage around for during a teacher?

Once you have got set to become a dancer, it's necessary to pay a while finding the proper dance category. You’ll be able to realize dance categories at dance faculties and studios, health clubs, and recreation centers. Some YMCAs and churches provide cluster dance lessons. Dance categories square measure fashionable in most cities; therefore you may in all probability have many to settle on from. The subsequent steps can assist you realize a category that's excellent for you. Check here for Dance Classes in Bangalore  and Dance Classes in Chennai.

Here's How to

·         Decide on a method of dance

Do you wish the leading role during a far-famed ballet? Is it your dream to dance with Britney Spears on MTV?

·         Obtain a listing of attainable dance studios

Check the telephone book or the native newspaper, note down categories that suit you.

·         Meet the dance teacher

Schedule a time to formally meet the dance academics. Selecting a dance teacher is one in every of the foremost necessary steps in turning into an honest dancer.

·        Tour the studios

Arrange for a tour of the dance studios on your list. Observe of the general atmosphere of every studio…is it what you were expecting?

·         Determine category prices

Find out the value of tuition for every category. Costs will vary wide, counting on the expertness and recognition of the studios and academics. Raise elaborate lists of hidden prices, like registration and recital fees, for every category.

·         Try out a category

Once you have got narrowed down your list of prospects, raise to undertake out one or two of categories.

Tips:

1.      Ask friends and neighbors for suggestions for native dance categories.

2.      Don't be keep to rise to watch a category...most academics provide free trial categories for newcomers.

3.      Don't limit yourself to 1 dance vogue. Try a few!

References:

1.      http://www.sooperarticles.com/art-entertainment-articles/music-articles/dos-donts-dance-1224180.html

2.      http://vinayaghimire.hubpages.com/hub/Indian-Dance-Forms-and-Their-Origin

See Also:

http://artsclassesgallery.blogspot.com/2013/10/traditional-dances-of-tamil-nadu.html