How Navarasas illuminate the soul of Indian classical dance forms

India has had a rich culture of performing arts. Our dances, whether it is Kathak, Bharatnatyam or Manipuri, have the power to capture the imagination and appeal to the emotions of the audience. One way our dances are able to do that is through Navarasas. What is it? Let us know more about how Navarasas make classical dance performances captivating.What is Navarasa?Navarasa, meaning "nine emotions" in Sanskrit, encapsulates the entire range of human emotions and experiences. This concept is a cornerstone of traditional dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, and more, providing dancers with a structured framework to convey a range of sentiments through their performances.Indian dances are very emotive | Image: UnsplashThe nine rasas or emotions in NavarasaShringara (Love) - This emotion is the embodiment of love and beauty. Dancers express romantic and loving sentiments, portraying the various facets of love, from youthful infatuation to mature companionship and eternal love.Hasya (Laughter) - Hasya revolves around the emotion of joy and laughter. Performers use expressions, body movements, and sometimes humourous narratives to evoke laughter and mirth in the audience.Karuna (Sorrow) - Karuna encompasses the deep emotions of empathy and sorrow. Dancers convey feelings of compassion, empathy, and lament, exploring the poignant aspects of human experience.Karuna ras | Image: WikipediaRaudra (Anger) - Raudra represents the fiery emotion of anger. Through dynamic movements, intense expressions, and powerful footwork, dancers portray the spectrum of anger, from mild irritation to fierce rage. Tandava has extensive use of Raudra.Veerya (Courage) - Veerya embodies courage and heroism. Dancers depict valiant characters, celebrating bravery, strength, and the triumph of good over evil through energetic and assertive movements. Warriors and survivors are represented through veerya ras.Bhayanaka (Fear) - Bhayanaka explores the emotion of fear and suspense. Performers use subtle expressions, evocative postures, and nuanced movements to convey a sense of trepidation and anxiety.Bibhatsa (Disgust) - Bibhatsa encompasses the emotion of disgust. Classical dancers express revulsion and aversion through facial expressions and body language, portraying disdain or repulsion.Adbhuta (Wonder) - Adbhuta captures the emotion of wonder and amazement. Dancers convey a sense of awe, marveling at the extraordinary or the divine through expansive and captivating movements.Shanta (Peace) - Shanta represents the serene emotion of peace and tranquility. Dancers embody a sense of calmness, contentment, and spiritual bliss through graceful and meditative movements.

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How Navarasas illuminate the soul of Indian classical dance forms

The meaning of navras is nine emotions. And these emotions encapsulate all human feelings. Let us see what these 9 emotions are.

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