Yesterday I attended a solo lesson with an Indian Dance teacher in London. During the lesson I was taught about Mudras and how this would be used in Kathakali. I also learnt a Dance which Incorporated these Mudras. We started the lesson by looking at 12 different mudras and learning how to create them with the hands. Ruby (the teacher) also taught me some ways the different mudras could be used during a performance.Mudras I learnt:
Palm flat - fingers extended upwards - fingers together
Shows: Moon rising/setting, cutting, opening/closing, mirror, clouds, river, palm leaf, silence, stop, forest, wind, sleeping, signifying the beginning of the performance.
The first and simplest hand gesture.
Need to work on:
Tripataka Mudra "Three parts of the flag"
Same as Pataka Mudra - Ring finger bent at 90 degrees
Shows: Wearing a crown/turban, writing a letter, Lighting, tree, Stroking the hair
Need to work on: Ring finger Bent at 90 degrees, done quickly.
Ardhacandra Mudra "half moon"
Fingers outstretched towards sky - fingers together - thumb stretched away from the palm at a 90 degree angle
Shows: The Moon Offerings to god, Carrying a child, meditation, wrist, mirror, wiping sweat from the brow
Need to work on: Thumb outstretched not to be confused with Pataka Mudra.
Dola Mudra "Swing"
right hand over the left hand - wrists and fingers relaxed
Shows: used at the beginning of a dance piece to show visual eloquence, excitement, illness, drunkenness.
This is used to show a beautiful hand and add elegance and beauty to the piece.
Need to work on: Hands completely relaxed no tension, the look of elegance.
Anjali Mudra "Salutation"
Palms pressed together - fingers outstretched to sky - fingers together
Shows: "Namaste", used to salute to dieties and other important figures, held above head for dieties, held in front of chest for teachers, used to show respect
Need to work on:
Ardhapataka Mudra "half-flag"
Same as Pataka Mudra - Ring finger and smallest finger at 90 degrees
Shows: Tender leaf, new growth, drawing or writing, riverbank, knife, temple flag.
Need to work on: the two fingers at a 90 degree angle bent at the second knuckle, able to do this quickly.
Tips of thumb and index finger joined - separate and extend the middle ring and little fingers
Shows: Tying the marriage, pearl necklace, carrying a garland, speaking, reading, singing.
Need to work on: Keeping the three fingers close together instead of spread out.
Mrigashirsha Mudra "deer head"
Three middle fingers at 90 degrees from the knuckles, little finger and thumb outstretched to the sky.
Shows: foot massage, costuming and make-up, holding an umbrella, Krishnas flute.
Need to work on: Keeping the two fingers outstretched to the sky.
Always remember right hand starts and ends the movement.
The Final Product:
This is only a small section of the video as blogger wouldn't let me upload the whole video
