Elbow raised in bharatanatyam

[laya2]

Hi

What is the explanation should we give when asked why should elbow be raised when dancing. Like when you are in Natyarambam or demonstrating Mudras.

Some teachers don't insist on elbow raised when performing mudras. why is it?

Can somebody explain.

thank you.

[vaishnavishruthi]

In my view::

Raising your elbows gives an erect posture which adds maginificience to the movement.
A drooping/loose elbow makes you look hunched. Hence elbow position is very important while dancing.
Every teacher should ensure that this is also noted along with the other significant things..
Pranam
Vaishnavi!!!

[Rsachi]

With the advantage of being a lay enthusiast, let me tell you what I think:
1. Yatho hastah tatho drShtih.. If the elbows are horizontal, they increase the reach of hands and thus extend the scope for gesture and abhinaya with eyes etc.
2. In olden days, the dancers were not on an elevated stage. Dancing at eye level, their horizontal arms would be more aesthetic in reach and communicativeness.
3. Sheer physical grace requires the arms to extend horizontally. It is so in sculpture, callisthenics, ballet, martial arts, other forms of dance as well.

[Umesh]

It depends on what you are trying to communicate and the mode in which you are doing so. A more natyadharmic approach involves very formalized movements with the elbow typically raised. This is less appropriate in lokadharmic representations. Styles vary on their emphasis of one over the other, but a good dancer can skillfully employ both.