Neck Movements
Abhinaya Darpan (Thespian Philosophy) defines four types of Greeva Sanchalan (neck movement):
- Sundari Greeva: Sundari neck movement is formed by sliding the neck left and right without raising the shoulders while keeping the neck straight.
- Usage: Used to display affection or seeking approval.
- Tischichani Greeva: Tischichani neck movement is displayed by turning the neck left and right in a serpentine motion.
- Usage: Used to display a sword fight or movement of snakes or other reptiles.
- Parivartita Greeva: Parivartita neck movement is displayed by turning the neck left and right in a crescent movement.
- Usage: Used to depict beauty and seduction or to show a beautiful object
- Prakamptita Greeva: Prakampita neck movement is performed by projecting the neck forward and backward like a pigeon.
- Usage: Used to depict you-vs-me, swing, and pigeons, etc.
Drishti Bhed (Distinction of Vision/Gaze)
Abhinaya Darpan (Thespian Philosophy) defines eight types of Drishti Bhed (gaze):
- Sama Drishti: Sama drishti (level gaze) is formed by holding the gaze is straight and even with an erect head.
- Usage: Use to express surprise at the beginning of the dance, or to depict the statue of a deity.
- Aalokit Drishti: Aalokit Drishti (Wide gaze) is formed by keeping the eyes wide open and turning the eyeballs in a circle.
- Usage: Use to show coins, potters wheel, etc.
- Saachi Drishti: Saachi Drishti (Sideways gaze) is formed by looking towards the corners of the eyes.
- Usage: Used to draw attention to a sign, depicting a thoughtful posture, twirling the mustache or pointing towards somebody.
- Pralokit Drishti: Pralokit Drishti (sweeping gaze) is formed by sweeping the gaze from one end to the other.
- Usage: Used to indicate both sides and to express deep affection
- Nimilit Drishti: Nimit drishti (half-closed gaze) is formed by closing the eyes half-way.
- Usage: Used to depict a serpent, during prayer or deep meditation.
- Ullokit Drishti: Ullokit Drishti (upward gaze) is formed by looking upward
- Usage: Used to depict high stature, or celestial objects such as the moon, stars, planets, constellations, etc.
- Anuvrit Drishti: Anuvrit Drishti is displayed by rapidly looking up and down.
- Usage: Used to depict anger, or to draw attention
- Avlokit Drishti: Avlokit Drishti (downward gaze) is formed by looking downward
- Usage: Used to depict shadow, tiredness or body of the individual
Bhaun Sanchalan — Movement of Eyebrows
There are seven types of eye-brow gestures according to Abhinay Darpan (The Mirror of Gesture)
- Utkshiptha: Raised eyebrows are referred to as utkshiptha bhaun.
- Usage: Used to express anger, suspicion, surprise, etc.
- Paanana: Lowered eyebrows are referred to as paanana bhaun.
- Usage: Used to express sniffing or laughing
- Bhrukuti: Bhrukuti is formed by raising the tip of the eyebrows
- Usage: Used to express anger
- Chatur: Chatur bhaun is formed by delicately raising the eyebrows.
- Usage: Used to express beautiful preparation, delicateness, cosplay, etc
- Kunchita: Kunchita bhaun is formed by lowering one or both eyebrows a little
- Usage: Used to express enchantment, screaming, sorrow, pride, etc
- Rachita: Rachita bhaun is formed by invitingly or seductively raising one eyebrow.
- Usage: Used to express the emotion of the dance.
- Sahaja: Sahaja bhaun is the neutral position of the eyebrows.
- Usage: Used to express the natural look