- What went in
- - We combined two batches for one Abhinaya session. - We asked students to imagine situations and act out their own ideas. - We created a more comfortable setting by having groups perform separately. - We introduced short choreography that explored śṛṅgāra, bhayānaka and hāsya.
- Time
- 2 hours
We held a combined Abhinaya session for two batches. Abhinaya is an important part of Bharatanatyam. It helps dancers communicate feelings and meaning through expression and movement.
Students imagined different situations and interpreted them in their own way. Shyness and hesitation were an early challenge. We tried ways to help them feel more comfortable. While one group performed, the others sat to the side, which gave each student space to express themselves without feeling watched by classmates. Everyone made an effort to participate.
After the improvisation, students enacted a short choreography. We explored śṛṅgāra (love or affection), bhayānaka (fear) and hāsya (laughter or joy). The students found expressing laughter comparatively easier. Regular practice like this can help students build their Abhinaya skills. It can also help them feel more at ease expressing themselves.
All students tried to express themselves through the situations and choreography. They explored three different Rasas, with laughter proving comparatively easier for them to express. The session also helped identify shyness and hesitation as areas to work on through continued practice.
(Participants told us)
Students can learn to read a situation and show how it feels. A calm setting helps. So does regular practice. Both can ease shyness and help students feel sure of themselves.
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