Chapter 17 Summary

Shall We Dance : Chapter 16 Summary : Navarasas

Shantha eloquently describes the Navarasas as the essence of Bharatanatyam, weaving emotions into a visual symphony.

She explained how the nine rasas — Shringara (love), Hasya (laughter), Karuna (compassion), Raudra (anger), Veera (heroism), Bhayanaka (fear), Bibhatsa (disgust), Adbhuta (wonder), and Shanta (peace) — form the foundation of storytelling in this classical art form.

Shantha emphasized that these emotions allow the dancer to connect deeply with the audience, transcending language and cultural barriers. Through precise expressions and gestures, each rasa brings a unique shade of human experience to life.

She beautifully highlighted how the balance of these emotions creates harmony in a performance. “The Navarasas”.

10 Minutes With Shantha

Chapter Summary 15 - Hasta Mudras

Hasta Mudras are the soul of Bharatanatyam, where every gesture tells a story, holds meaning, and evokes emotion. These gestures form a unique language, allowing dancers to communicate the unspoken.

They are categorized as Asamyuta Hastas (single-hand) and Samyuta Hastas (double-hand), symbolizing everything from gods and nature to human emotions. Shantha often says that using mudras feels like painting vivid pictures in the air, immersing the audience in the narrative.

Each mudra harmonizes with the eyes, breath, and expressions to create rasa, the emotional essence of the performance. Without them, Bharatanatyam would lose its voice, for mudras truly make the art divine.