Pallavi

Sanskrit

Odissi's item of pure dance, blossoming from stillness.

RepertoireOdissi

Meaning

A pallavi elaborates a raga and a rhythmic line together, beginning slowly and gathering in speed and complexity. It is pure dance, prized for lyrical grace and the sculptural poses Odissi draws from temple statuary.

Related words

MangalacharanThe invocatory opening of an Odissi recital.AlarippuThe opening item — the body unfolding, like a flower.MargamThe traditional order of a Bharatanatyam recital.PadamA slow expressional piece, usually of love or devotion.MangalamThe closing benediction that ends a performance.VarnamThe centrepiece — the longest and most demanding item.

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