The World of Courtesans c9.41

c9.41

One day the king decided to witness the debut (*padhamanatta vihidamsanam*) of Vasantasena's daughter. He sent for the head of the *goshthi* and asked him to invite assessors (*pasaniye*) to judge this dance recital. The head invited Dhammilla to act as one of the assessors When everybody, including the king, had occupied their seats, the dance began The stage (*bhumibhae*) was well decorated and designed for a dance performance. The dancer was endowed with beauty and vigour. The choreography, the change in *varnas*, the gestures simulating the movements of black bees, the expression in the eyes expressing haughty indifference, and the gestures of the hands. all followed the principle laid down in the *Natyashastra*. The dance was accompanied by the strains of a *vina*, and by drums and vocal music.