Indian dancing

VEERA [Valour]

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VIBHATSA [Disgust]

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SHANTA [Serenity]

THE NINE RASAS OR SENTIMENTS

In all Indian dancing facial expression plays a prominent part, since it is used to convey the sentiment of the theme being danced. There are nine rasas, or sentiments, each of which has its accompanying mood. A rasa is modified to suit the situation. For example, the s7/ngara rasa varies slightly according to whether it is depicting divine, parental, or conjugal love, or the solely erotic mood of Kama, God of Love.

The sringara rasa involves side glances and a look of intense affection suggestive of love or carnal passion.

The raudra rasa consists of lifted brow, widened eyes with dilating pupils, and the gnashing of teeth to indicate wrath.

The veera rasa is adopted by widening the eyes and assuming a look of dignity, while the head is tossed back in a noble manner.

The sasya rasa is denoted by a supercilious glance beneath lowered lids, the eyebrows being arched and the head slightly tossed in disdain.

The karuna rasa consists of glances out of the corner of the eye and a look of tenderness to suggest compassion.

The vibhatsa rasa makes the player contract his eyes, lower his chin, pout his lips, and curl them in a gesture of contempt.

The adbhuta rasa involves arching of brows and a tremulous smile on the lips, the whole face expressing pleased amazement. The bhayanaka rasa is assumed by rolling the eyes from side to side, dilating the nostrils, and sharply jerking the head and neck to suggest fear.

The shanta rasa is expressed by a peaceful look, with eyes shut or turned heavenwards. The whole attitude is one of calm,

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