The World of Courtesans c8.21

c8.21

*Nrityam*: The art of dancing consists of postures (*karanani*), gestures (*angaharani*), emotions (*bhava*), causes of emotions (*vibhava*), external signs of the effects of emotions (*anubhava*), and finally aesthetic satisfaction (*rasa*). *Nritya* is further divided into *natya* and *anatya* forms. *Natya* is defined as an imitation of the actions of the denizens of heaven, the nether world and the earth. On the other hand the *anatya* form is not enforced by tradition but depends on the whims of a dancer.