Question

In Indian classical dance, what do the aspects of Tandava and Lasya primarily represent?

• A. Tandava – music and melody; Lasya – costume and color.
• B. Tandava – divine worship; Lasya – ritual purity.
• C. Tandava – masculine energy and power; Lasya – feminine grace, expression, and emotion.
• D. Tandava – abstract concepts; Lasya – storytelling through speech.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Tandava – masculine energy and power; Lasya – feminine grace, expression, and emotion.

The nine rasas or emotions depicted in dance are: Shringara Rasa – the essence of love and beauty. Haasya Rasa – the essence of humor and joy. Karuna Rasa – the essence of compassion and sorrow. Raudra Rasa – the essence of anger and fury. Veera Rasa – the essence of heroism and courage. Bhayaanaka Rasa – the essence of fear and terror. Beebhatsa Rasa – the essence of disgust and aversion. Adbhuta Rasa – the essence of wonder and amazement. Shanta Rasa – the essence of peace and tranquility. The Sangeet Natak Akademi recognizes eight classical dance forms of India.