Expression (Ahbinaya)

The techniques of communicating a message are Abinaya. Here the emphasis is more on facial expressions and gestures. While some authentic Bharatnatyam styles, such a Melattur style, emphasise a highly expressive, spontaneous and elevated mode of abhinaya, the late Balasaraswaty tradition's abhinaya was extremely subtle and understated, while the Kalakshetra style expressions are largely theatrical. Some contemporary styles, such as the one propagated by Shobana, favour the Bollywood-type expressions. While gestures can be seen from any distance even in a large dance hall, the subtle facial expressions can only be seen from the front rows. This is the main feature that distinguishes Bharatnatyam from the western ballet. Thus, unless a Bharatnatyam recital is held in a small hall, a close-up, high-resolution video is the only adequate medium of presenting the Abhinaya. Bharatnatyam is essentially ekaharya performance: a single dancer presenting various characters, regardless of their gender. The Abinaya is comprised of Angikabhinaya Vachikabhinaya Aharyabhinaya Satvikabhinaya Angikabhinaya : communicating the meaning of the songs using the body, i.e. head, hands, legs, etc. The Bhedas come under Angikabhinaya. Vachikabhinaya : communicating the story using narrations. Aharyabhinaya : use of costumes, jewellary, make-up etc. Satvikabhinaya : expressions of Bhava(moods)