Nritya Vibhakar (5th year) Syllabus & Indian Dance Overview

Flashcards covering terms and concepts from the provided lecture notes on Indian classical dance, including Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and related topics.

Akshipta

Bending to greet or worship someone using specific movements.

Urap

The dancer leaps into the air to express excitement.

Tirap

The slanted movement in dance.

Kasak

Moving the wrist delicately in dance, particularly in 'thaats' and 'gats'.

Masak

Rhythmic movement of the chest in dance, especially in 'thaats' and 'gats'.

Urmai

Leaping in the air as if suspended before touching the ground.

Devdasi

Female temple dancer with dances of religious significance.

Rajdasi

Dancers associated with the royal court or nobility, in a non-religious context.

Puran

Hindu scriptures or narratives incorporated into dance.

Benaras Kathak Gharana

Also known as Janaki Prasad Gharana, emphasizes Natwari bols and less prominent chakkars, utilizing Tandava and Lasya styles with mythological stories.

Uday Shankar

Credited with introducing Indian dance styles to the world, known for his 'Oriental style,' and experimented with shadow dancing.

Balasaraswati

Recognized worldwide as one of the great Bharatanatyam artists of the 20th century, known for her revolutionary impact on dance.

Thakur Prasad Mishra

A well-known Kathak dancer, father of Natwari dance, and served as Kathak guru in Nawab Wajid Ali Shah's court.

Tabla

A pair of drums (dayan and bayan) used in Hindustani classical music for accompaniment and solos.

Mridangam

A double-headed barrel-shaped drum, the primary percussion instrument in Carnatic classical music.

Pakhawaj

A two-headed barrel drum, primarily used in Dhrupad music, known for its deep, mellow tone.

Kathakali

Dramatic and theatrical, based on mythological stories, with stylized movements, costumes, and makeup, traditionally performed by men.

Manipuri

Devotional and religious, often showcasing the love between Radha and Krishna, with graceful, flowing movements and hand gestures.

Anga Shudhi

Holding the body correctly to increase aesthetic sense, prevent injury, and enhance performance.

Nayak-Nayika Bheda

The distinction between male and female characters, an important feature of the Nritya aspect of Kathak dance.

Nayak

Generous, courteous, youthful, self-sufficient, smart, and intelligent, with eight 'Satvik' traits.

Shobha

The truthful spirit with enthusiasm, sharp-mindedness and affection, despising lowly behavior.

Vilaas

Actions like patience, walking like a lion, talking with a slight smile.

Gambhir

Remaining still in spite of fear, grief, anger, joy, etc.

Sthairya

Despite being faced with frightening situations, being unfettered.

Tez

To not tolerate disrespect and ill-behaviour.

Lalit

Being aesthetic in clothing, soft yet well-spoken.

Audarya

Treating everyone with kindness and viewing everyone as equals.

Dheerudaat

One who is free from all vices, has forgiveness.

Dharm (duty) of Nayikas

Swakiya, Parkiya, and Samanya are its three types.

Taal Dashapran

Kaala, Maarga, Kriya, Anga, Graha, Jaati, Kala, Laya, Yati, and Prastaara

Devatha Hasthas

Hand gestures representing deities, crucial in Indian classical dance for communicating stories and divine attributes.

Anulom Vilom

Exercise involving alternating nostril breathing to purify the body, mind, and soul.

Agratal

Kathak foot position where the dancer strikes the ground with the front part of the foot.

Aleen

A seated position or kneeling.

Uthan

Short, rhythmic composition in Kathak, that means 'to rise', often serving as a prelude.

Samput

A specific hand gesture (hasta mudra) in Kathak; a Sanyukta Hasta.

Ashtagati

A composition with eight rhythmic cycles, performable in different speeds (layas).

Bhramari

A pranayama where you produce a humming sound similar to a bee's buzz during exhalation. Calms the mind and reduces stress

Ballet Dance

Theatrical dance with formalized steps and movements, using body movements, music, and scenery to express emotions.