Nritta

Sanskrit

Pure dance — rhythm and line, with no story.

TechniqueBharatanatyamKuchipudiOdissiKathak

Meaning

Nritta is movement valued for rhythm, geometry and design rather than meaning. It carries no narrative and depicts nothing; jathis, korvais and items like jathiswaram and tillana are largely nritta. It is one of the three classical divisions alongside nritya and natya.

Related words

NrityaDance that expresses meaning — movement joined to sentiment.NatyaDance-drama — the theatrical dimension of the art.AbhinayaThe art of expression — making meaning visible.TatkarKathak footwork — the rhythmic language of the feet.AdavuThe basic unit of Bharatanatyam movement — its alphabet.TribhangiThe three-bend stance central to Odissi.

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