Who is this course for ?

The Abhinaya Course at The Natyam Space in Mudhrai is a deep dive into the expressive essence of Bharatanatyam. This course focuses on mastering the art of storytelling through nuanced facial expressions, gestures, and emotional portrayal. Designed for dancers looking to elevate their performance, it explores the intricate techniques of Navarasas (the nine emotions), character interpretation, and the graceful synergy of movement and expression. Ideal for those who wish to connect emotionally with their audience, this course brings the soul of Bharatanatyam to life.

Benefits of learning Abhinaya (Expressions):

• Enhanced Emotional Expression: Abhinaya teaches dancers to convey emotions with subtlety, using facial expressions, body language, and gestures to bring stories to life.
• Improved Storytelling Skills: It enables dancers to communicate narratives and moods, adding depth and meaning to performances.
• Self-Awareness and Empathy: Engaging with diverse emotions fosters self-awareness and empathy, helping dancers connect deeply with their audience and themselves.
• Mental Focus and Clarity: Mastering Abhinaya requires concentration, boosting memory, mental clarity, and focus.
• Confidence and Stage Presence: As dancers express complex emotions confidently, they gain presence and poise, which enhances their overall performance.
• Cultural Understanding: Abhinaya deepens one’s appreciation of cultural stories and traditions, offering insight into India’s rich heritage.

What Will You Learn?:

In this course, you will gain a deep understanding of the four components of Abhinaya: Angika (body movements), Vachikam (speech), Aharyam (costumes and accessories), and Saatvikam (inner emotions). You will master the techniques of Angika Abhinaya, focusing on the movement of major and minor body parts, and explore the concepts of Rasa(emotions) and Bhava (expressions). Through practical training, you will learn to embody and express the Navarasas(nine emotions) and understand the nuances of Nayaka (hero) and Nayika (heroine) characterisation. By the end of the course, you will be able to perform a traditional Abhinaya-based composition and create your own stories using the techniques and expressions you have mastered.

Course Content (Practical+Theory):

This Abhinaya course offers a comprehensive exploration of both the practical and theoretical dimensions of expressive storytelling in Bharatanatyam. Students will delve into the four core components of Abhinaya: Angika (body movements), Vachikam (speech), Aharyam (costumes and accessories), and Saatvikam (inner emotions). Practical training includes mastering Angika Abhinaya through the movement of major and minor body parts, experiencing and expressing the Navarasas (nine emotions), and understanding Rasa and Bhava to evoke emotional depth. Theoretical insights cover the characterisation of Nayaka (hero) and Nayika (heroine). By the end of the course, students will learn to perform a traditional Abhinaya-based composition and create their own stories, blending these techniques with their unique artistic voice.