![]() Tribhanga in Odissi The human body is divided into three bhangas along which deflections of the head, torso and hips can take place. The technique is built on the principle of an unequal division of weight and the shift of weight from one foot to the other. The movement of the head, the torso, the hips and the knees, are important. Hip deflection is the characteristic feature of this dance style. The dvibhanga is highly emphasized here. The tribhanga is one of the most typical poses of Odissi dancing. The tribhanga is evolved by one half of lower body remaining static along the central plumb line while the other leg usually crosses the first. Half of the body from the torso upwards deflects in the opposite direction. The head or neck provides the third deflection. The tribhanga is achieved by a sharp deflection of the hip from the horizontal Kati sutra, and the head deflecting to the same side as the hip. It is an extremely feminine posture represented in sculptures of female figures and is based upon the Hindu concept of iconography. The bends are made at the knees, the torso and the neck. This posture and the characteristic shifting of the upper body from side to side, make Odissi a difficult style to execute. Foot Movement in Odissi ![]() Some of the other forms of dance which are used by the Odissi dancers are Arasas, Belis and Palis. Arasas is the next unit comprising of the khandis. The khandis are used in various combinations and permutations to form Arasas. It begins with the smallest unit, combinations are made of words and phrases and then sentences; all contained within the parameters of the metrical cycle. Khandis and Arasas are used to form dances sequences called the Belis and Palis. Belis are longer sections of Nritta whereas the Palis are the finale sequences, which are in triplets like the tihais in Bharatnatyam. Minadandi: This involves a semicircular walk or the covering of space by one leg more specifically the calf in semicircles, returning back to centre. The other half of the body is static. Other foot or leg repeats the same. Ghera: Ghera involves covering of space in circles, half circles, semi-circles and concentric circles. These are the movements emerging from Tribhangi, Baitha and Chauka. There are various movements, which arise out the Tribhangi keeping one half of the body static and the other leg extending in different directions like back, front and sides. In movements emerging from Baitha, one foot and knee are in contact with the ground whereas the other leg is extended to the side or back. In movements emerging from Chauka, the feet are static and only the torso can move or a complete pirouette can be executed holding the chauka position. Bhramaris: Bhramaris are the spins and the pirouettes executed from the three positions: Tribhangi, Samapada and Chauka, both clockwise and anti-clockwise. There are various Bhramaris depending on their foot contact at the initial position and the final movement of elevations of the knee and the direction of the pirouettes. Hasta Mudras or Hand gestures play an important role in any kind of dance. They are used as decorative embellishments and in Odissi Hasta Mudras are used as means of communication. The dancer uses the hands to express emotions in a more vivid manner. |