Indian dance can be described as an amalgamation of'nritta'(the rhythmic elements), 'nritya'
(the combination of rhythm with expression) and 'natya' (the element of drama).
Nritya, when combined with nritta, is featured in most of the stage
performances. Nritya comprises of abhinaya that depicts rasa (sentiment) and
bhava (mood). To enjoy Indian Dance (Natya or dance drama) thoroughly, one has
to understand Indian legends. Indian mythology is predominant amog these
dances. The Indian dances also depict the ethos and values of the Indians. One
of the popular Indian dance forms is the dance of 'Nataraja' which is popularly
called the cosmic dance of lord shiva.
Lord Shiva, the King of Dances, predominantly features in the India
dance forms. His cosmic dance conglomerates creation, preservation and
destruction. Nataraja's dance is the symbolic representation of human life,
which depicts that ultimately, the good and the evil are neutralized. In the
pose of Nataraja, Lord Shiva holds a small drum (damru) in his upper right
hand, while his lower right hand shows the gesture (abhaya), which represents
the negation of fear. The upper left hand of Nataraja is in half-moon pose
(ardhachandra mudra), which holds a tongue of flame which is the fire (agni)
that finally destroys the world and is then quenched in cosmic waters.
Nataraja'shand, holding the drum and the one
holding fire balance the forces of creation and destruction. The second left
arm is held gracefully across the chest (gajahasta mudra) with the hand
pointing to the uplifted foot, which denotes favor or grace for the devotee.
One foot rests on Apasmara or Mauyalka, the embodiment of human cruelty and
ignorance. Surrounding Shiva's figure an immense aureole of flames emanates
from him.
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