Greeva Bheda (Neck Movements) in Bharatanatyam

Greeva Bheda (Neck Movements) in Bharatanatyam

Introduction of Greeva Bheda

Neck movements are important parts of most Indian classical forms. When it is performed in complete and graceful manner it increases the quality of both (Nritya) & (Abhinaya). Greeva means ‘neck’ and Bheda means ‘movements. In Indian classical dance, every movement whether it is related to eyes (Drishti), head (Shiro) or neck (Greeva) Bheda has an important role in performing arts(shastra). The neck is the backbone of the entire body. Without the movement of the neck, a dancer can’t explain the meaning of bhava(expression). So, neck movement (Greeva Bheda) has an important part of Abhinaya(acting).  The people who are familiar to the art of expressions, according to them there are 4 different types of neck movements in Bharatanatyam with shloka given below:

 

Sundari  cha Tiraschina  Tathaiva  Parivartita

Parakambita cha Bhavajnaih Greeva Chaturvidha

Sundari Greeva Shloka

Tiryak Chachlita Greeva Sundareeti Nigdyate

 

• Sundar Greeva Bheda: When the neck movement is from side to side in a complete and graceful manner it is called Sundari Greeva Bheda. It is also called Attami.

Eg: Sundari Greeva Bheda is used for showing happily acceptance.

 

Tiraschina Greeva Shloka

Parshvayorudhwabhaage tu Chalina Sarpyanvat

Sa Greeva tu Tirashchinetayuchyate Natyakovide

 

• Tiraschina Greeva Bheda: The upward movement of the neck in V-shape on both the sides is called Tiraschina Greeva Bheda

Eg: Tiraschina Greeva Bhedais used to show practicing of sword

 

Parivartit Greeva Shloka

Styapaschyachalita Greeva Yatnardhachandravat

Sa hi Natyakalamijgyainijyeia Parivartita

 

• Parvartita Greeva Bheda: The movement of the neck from left to right like a half-moon in Natyakala is called Parivartita Greeva
  Bheda.

Eg: Parvitita Greeva Bheda is used to show romantic dances to show kissing both cheeks of beloved.

 

Prakampit Greeva Shloka

Pur:Pashtaprachlanaat Kapotokanthakampavat

Prakampiteti Sa Greeva Natyashastre Prashyate

 

• Prakampita Greeva Bheda: The movement of the neck is forward and backward like a pigeon is called Parakampita Greeva Bheda

Eg: Prakampita Greeva Bheda is used to say describe ‘you and I in desi naatya.