16. Navarasas – Audio

Narrated by Shantha Lakshmi

Overview
In this chapter of Shall We Dance, Shantha Lakshmi eloquently delves into the Navarasas, the nine fundamental emotions that form the essence of Bharatanatyam. These emotions, intricately woven into the fabric of this classical art form, transform dance into a visual symphony of human experience, enabling performers to narrate stories that resonate universally.

The Navarasas: A Palette of Human Emotion

Shantha explains that the Navarasas, as codified in the Natya Shastra by Sage Bharata, are the emotional states that underpin storytelling in Bharatanatyam and other Indian classical art forms. Each rasa represents a specific emotion, offering the dancer a vibrant palette to paint a rich narrative:

1. Shringara (Love): The rasa of beauty, attraction, and romance, Shringara is often associated with devotion and the divine connection between the human soul and God.
2. Hasya (Laughter): The expression of joy and humor, Hasya lightens the narrative and creates moments of delight.
3. Karuna (Compassion): The rasa of sorrow and empathy, Karuna evokes the audience’s sense of connection to the suffering of others.
4. Raudra (Anger): The fierce and dynamic expression of rage, Raudra often conveys themes of justice or conflict.
5. Veera (Heroism): The rasa of courage and valor, Veera symbolizes strength, determination, and heroics.
6. Bhayanaka (Fear): The expression of dread or apprehension, Bhayanaka adds tension and depth to dramatic sequences.
7. Bibhatsa (Disgust): The rasa of aversion or revulsion, Bibhatsa is often used to portray moral or physical repulsion.
8. Adbhuta (Wonder): The expression of awe and amazement, Adbhuta captures the extraordinary and the divine.
9. Shanta (Peace): The rasa of tranquility and serenity, Shanta represents spiritual fulfillment and the ultimate cessation of worldly emotions.

The Role of Navarasas in Bharatanatyam

Shantha emphasizes that the Navarasas are not merely emotions but states of being, intricately expressed through precise gestures (mudras), facial expressions (abhinaya), and body language. These emotions allow the dancer to:

• Engage the Audience: By portraying universally understood feelings, the Navarasas enable dancers to transcend language and cultural barriers, forging a deep emotional connection with the audience.
• Narrate Stories: The Navarasas are essential tools for storytelling in Bharatanatyam, whether depicting mythological epics, devotional tales, or human experiences.
• Evoke Rasa: The ultimate goal of Bharatanatyam is to evoke rasa, the aesthetic experience or emotional essence, in the audience, immersing them in the performance.

The Harmony of Emotions

Shantha beautifully explains that while each rasa is powerful on its own, it is the balance and interplay of these emotions that creates harmony in a performance. She likens the Navarasas to the notes of a melody, where the dancer must skillfully transition between emotions, creating a seamless narrative that captures the complexity of human experience.

For example, a performance may move from the joy of Shringara to the sorrow of Karuna, then shift to the heroism of Veera, ending with the peace of Shanta. These transitions are guided by the story being told, the rhythm (tala), and the dancer’s ability to embody each emotion authentically.

Mastering the Navarasas

Shantha emphasizes that mastering the Navarasas requires:

• Technical Precision: The use of gestures, postures, and movements must align with the emotion being portrayed.
• Inner Connection: The dancer must feel the emotion internally, allowing it to radiate outward and resonate with the audience.
• Cultural Understanding: The context of the Navarasas in Indian philosophy and mythology enriches their portrayal.

Shantha highlights the dancer’s role as both a storyteller and an emotional conduit, blending discipline with creativity to bring the Navarasas to life.