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Natyashastra & Abhinaya Darpana

Natyashastra & Abhinaya Darpana

2 Seasons

The Hastas, Bhedas & Sthanas will be dealt with in this series. The Natyashastra will be used as the primary reference point, but a few examples from the Abhinaya Darpana will also be given.

All the shlokas from the Natyashastra and Sangita Ratnakara are taught in the lineage of Dr Padma Subramanyam and are a product of her research.

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Natyashastra & Abhinaya Darpana
  • Introduction to the Bhedas of the Natyashastra

    Episode 1

    The Bhedas as described in the Natyashastra offer detailed movement patterns for every part of the body.

    A dancer who practises the Bhedas properly will have the ability to isolate and control each part of the body with purpose and clarity.

  • Shiro bheda Introduction

    Episode 2

    The head is considered one of the Angas, or major limbs according to the Natyashastra.

    The movements of the head are used not only for the precise control in the execution of Nritta but also to communicate meaning in the context of gesture.

  • Shiro bheda Shloka

    Episode 3

    The head is considered one of the Angas, or major limbs according to the Natyashastra.

    The movements of the head are used not only for the precise control in the execution of Nritta but also to communicate meaning in the context of gesture.

    Please refer to the Shloka below for pronunciation. ...

  • Pārśva Bheda Introduction

    Episode 4

    The side, Parshva is considered one of the Angas, or major limbs according to the Natyashastra.

    The movements of the side are used not only for the precise control in the execution of Nritta but also to communicate meaning in the context of gesture.

  • Pārśva Bheda Shloka

    Episode 5

    The side, Parshva is considered one of the Angas, or major limbs according to the Natyashastra.

    The movements of the side are used not only for the precise control in the execution of Nritta but also to communicate meaning in the context of gesture.

    Please refer to the Shloka below for pronun...

  • Urō bheda Introduction

    Episode 25

    The chest or Uras is considered one of the Angas according to the Natyashastra. The movements of the chest are used not only for the precise control in the execution of Nritta but also to communicate meaning in the context of gesture.

    Please refer to the Shloka below for pronunciation. Please no...

  • Urō bheda Shloka

    Episode 16

    The chest or Uras is considered one of the Angas according to the Natyashastra. The movements of the chest are used not only for the precise control in the execution of Nritta but also to communicate meaning in the context of gesture.

    Please refer to the Shloka below for pronunciation. Please no...

  • Katī bheda Introduction

    Episode 6

    Explains the things to keep in mind when executing the hip and waist movements. Please watch carefully before practising with the shloka.

  • Katī bheda Shloka

    Episode 7

    The hips are considered one of the Angas, or major limbs according to the Natyashastra.

    The movements of the hips and waist are used not only for the precise control in the execution of Nritta but also to communicate meaning in the context of gesture.

    Please refer to the Shloka below for pronun...

  • Pādah bheda Introduction

    Episode 8

    Explains the things to keep in mind when executing the foot movements. Please watch carefully before practising with the shloka.

  • Pādah bheda Shloka

    Episode 9

    The feet are considered one of the Angas, or major limbs according to the Natyashastra.

    The movements of the feet are used not only for the precise control in the execution of Nritta but also to communicate meaning in the context of gesture.

    Please refer to the Shloka below for pronunciation. P...

  • Jānu bheda Introduction

    Episode 10

    The introduction to the isolations of the knee. Some shlokas from subsequent literary texts were put together through Dr Padma Subramanyam's research to help understand the Nātyaśāstra better.

  • Jānu bheda Shloka

    Episode 11

    Jānu bheda according to the Sangīta Ratnākara, is an Upānga. The knees are considered one of the minor limbs.

    The movements of the knees are used not only for the precise control in the execution of Nritta but also to communicate meaning in the context of gesture. Some of the positions elucidate...

  • Ūru bheda Introduction

    Episode 12

    Explains the things to keep in mind when executing the thigh movements. Please watch carefully before practising with the shloka.

  • Ūru bheda Shloka

    Episode 13

    The thighs are considered one of the Upāngas, or minor limbs according to the Natyashastra.

    The movements of the thighs are used not only for the precise control in the execution of Nritta but also to communicate meaning in the context of gesture.

    Please refer to the Shloka below for pronunciat...

  • Janghā bheda Introduction

    Episode 14

    Explains the things to keep in mind when executing the movements of the shank/shin. Please watch carefully before practising with the shloka.

  • Janghā bheda Shloka

    Episode 15

    The shins/ shanks are considered one of the Upāngas, or minor limbs according to the Nātyaśāstra

    The movements are used not only for the precise control in the execution of Nritta but also to communicate meaning in the context of gesture.

    Please refer to the Shloka below for pronunciation. Plea...

  • Gulphā bheda Introduction

    Episode 18

    The Ankle is considered one of the Upāngas, or minor limbs according to the Sangīta Ratnākara.

    Introduction to the movements of the ankle.

  • Gulphā bheda Shloka

    Episode 19

    The Ankle is considered one of the Upāngas, or minor limbs according to the Sangīta Ratnākara.

    The movements of the ankle are important in pure dance and in emotive contexts.

    Please refer to the Shloka below for pronunciation. Please note that the separate movements of the head when put togethe...

  • Pārśni bheda Shloka

    Episode 20

    The heels are considered one of the Upāngas, or minor limbs

    The movements are used not only for the precise control in the execution of Nritta but also to communicate meaning in the context of gesture.

    Please refer to the Shloka below for pronunciation. Please note that the separate movements ...

  • Thala bheda Introduction

    Episode 21

    The soles of the feet are considered one of the Upāngas, or minor limbs.

    Introduction to the movements in the soles of the feet.

  • Thala bheda Shloka

    Episode 22

    The soles of the feet are considered one of the Upāngas, or minor limbs.

    The movements are used not only for the precise control in the execution of Nritta but also to communicate meaning in the context of gesture.

    Please refer to the Shloka below for pronunciation. Please note that the separat...

  • Udara bheda Introduction

    Episode 23

    Introduction to the uses of the stomach.

  • Udara bheda Shloka

    Episode 24

    The stomach is considered one of the Upāngas, or minor limbs.

    The movements are used primarily to communicate meaning in the context of gesture.

    Please refer to the Shloka below for pronunciation. Please note that the separate movements of the head when put together in a Shloka form 'Sandhis', ...