- As per Natya Shastra, there are two basic aspects of Indian classical dance
- Lasya – It denotes grace, bhava, rasa, and abhinaya. It is symbolic to the feminine features of dance as an art form.
- Tandava – This is symbolic of the male aspects of dance and has more emphasis on rhythm and movement.
- As per Abhinaya Darpan (5th–4th century BCE), Nandikeshwara’s famous treatise on dance, an act has been broken into three basic elements:
- Nritta – It refers to the basic dance steps, performed rhythmically but devoid of any expression or mood.
- Natya – It means dramatic representations and refers to the story that is elaborated through the dance recital.
- Nritya – Nritya refers to the sentiment and the emotions evoked through dance.
