Nava Nartanam – 9 emotions of dance

Nava Nartanam – 9 emotions of dance is a spectacle that stages the nine rasas through dance, drama, music, lights, and colours. Each rasa is brought to life through stories portrayed by dancers. Accompanied by live music performed by Singapore artists, each rasa takes center-stage and evoke the senses and emotions of the audience.

Love: Shringara

Referred to as the mother of all rasas, Shringara rasa refers to love. According to Natyashastra, both male and female characters are behind the outcome of Shringara rasa. The presentation of Shringara rasa in dance is by means of gestures through clever and significant glances of the eyes, and movements of the eyebrows and limbs. Shringara rasa connects and allows us to experience divine love.

Joy: Hasya

Hasya rasa refers to happiness and manifests as laughter, a sense of humour and feelings of joy. Happiness makes us forget everything and relieves us of any stress and worries. Depicted in dance through relaxed, open-mouth laughter, happy and light-weighted movements, and expressions of joy, Hasya can foster cooperation, even among enemies. It is a state of mind that keeps us content, a joy that comes from within.

Wonder: Adbhuta

Adbhuta rasa invokes awe—a powerful but rare experience characterised by bright eyes, dropped jaw, and goosebumps. We are left awestruck when we immerse ourselves in the wilderness of nature, listen to a mesmerising musical composition, or encounter beauty beyond imagination. Awe reminds us of our limitations and ignites modesty, devotion, and gratitude. It fuels our fascination and pushes us to experience life as an adventure.

Peace: Shantam

Shantam rasa corresponds to the feelings of peace and tranquillity. Embodied by closed eyes, relaxed face, and gently closed lips, peace is experienced as ease and contentment. We feel deep calmness and relaxation, while we are at peace. Shantam is the complete harmony between the mind, body and universe.

Anger: Raudra

Raudra rasa or fury is an intense display of anger characterized by glaring eyes, lowered brows, and flared nostrils. As a property of fire, a moment of anger could destroy a lifetime of goodwill and relationships. Constructive rage, on the contrary, can fight social evils and overthrow oppressive powers.

Courage: Veeram

Veeram is a powerful experience of heroism. Heroism lies in enthusiastically helping others despite its cost (Dana Veera), in protecting others even if they are strangers and enemies (Daya Veera), and in acting with conscience regardless of self-interest (Dharma Veera). Prideful eyes, flared nostrils, and an erect head radiate the energy, determination, and perseverance of the Veeram rasa.

Compassion: Karuna

An emotion that is invoked by anguish or pain or sorrow, Karuna is also associated with sadness. It is a bridge that connects us all, helping us relate to each other’s life situations and empathise with each other. The feeling of tragedy and despair, heartbreak, sorrow caused by parting with a lover, the suffering caused by the death of a loved one are all karuna. It is signalled through oblique eyebrows, pulled-down lips, and often a downward gaze.

Fear: Bayanakam

Associated with fear, worry, insecurity or self-doubt, Bayanakam is a feeling evoked while facing something that is more powerful than oneself. It is also a feeling of despair and helplessness we could feel in a situation beyond control and is characterised by raised eyebrows, contracted eyelids, and a mouth pulled sideways.

Disgust: Beebhatsam

Beebhatsam characterises a judgemental mind, that indulges in self-pity, loathing and self-hatredness. The emotion of disgust or dissatisfaction with oneself and others are felt when one experiences this rasa. Vulgar and uncivilised acts, using of unsavourywords and bad manners evokes Beebhatsam and is depicted in dance through a raised upper lip, wrinkled nose, and flared nostrils.