Kathak Gestures - Ruchika INDIAN DANCE ACADEMY

ABHINAYA

Pictures depict different moods of the dancer. Abhinaya (expressional dance) is a very important part of Kathak.

The expressional part of the dancer is in the face, the eyes being specially important. The re-telling of the theme is assisted by the use of hand gestures.

HAND GESTURES

Hand gestures play a key role in Indian dance. There are 24 hand gestures. Another 43 gestures can be formed using both the hands so in total there are 67 hand gestures. Other important body gestures are formed with the movement of head, eyes, eyebrows, waist, chest etc. For detail and intense study of body gestures the books "Bharat Natyashastra" and "Sangeet Ratnakar" are the best source of information.

In communication which involves Abhinaya, or, broadly expression. Abhinaya is achieved through four means - angika, the body and limbs- and this is where the Hasta's or Mudra's or hand gestures play there significant role, satvika- the play and interplay of emotions and moods as reflected in the face but also in the totality of the projection, vachika- song and speech, rendered by the performer or guru, costume and ornament, general as well as for specific characterization.

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