Elaborate movements and expressive gestures

BANGALORE: Rang Tarang National festival of Choreography staged a Bharatanatyam piece by Rekha Hegde and Group headed from Belgaum recently. The show was organised on behalf of The World Dance Day.
Bharatnatyam was documented as a performing art in the nineteenth century is made of three distinct elements called Nritta (rhythmic dance movements), Natya (mime, or dance with a dramatic aspect) and Nritya.
The performance held at Chowdiah Memorial Hall was a great feast for the eyes.  While the costumes were colourful and deeply symbolic, the dancers used traditional ‘temple jewellery’ and expressive hand gestures.  Most of the movements featured nine nava rasas such as Sringara, Raudra, Veera, Hasya, Karuna, Vibhasta, Abdhuta, Bhayanaka  and Shanta. Rekha Hegde demonstrated a number of qualities which accentuated  the beauty of a dancer. She also stated that the qualities required for a female dancer include Narthaki along with head movements (Shiro bhedas) Sundari, Tirashchina, Parivartita; and neck movements (Griva bhedas) Prakampita; eye movements (Drishti bhedas) Sama, Alolita, Sachi, Pralokita, Nimilite, Ullokita, Anuvritta and Avalokita.Vyjayanthi Kashi, chairperson of Karnataka Sangeeta Nritya Academy (KSNA) said, “While we have performers from other states like Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam and Manipuri. This is a good platform to express our own classical dances and showcase new talent.”
She also said, “Art is an ocean. Each choreography is a wave. They change from time to time enriching our culture.” The purpose of her organising such cultural events during the summer vacation is for the benefit of the younger generation.
She also felt that by learning any art form, students can communicate better with others through emotions.

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