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Greeva Bheda or Neck movement

Neck movements are an integral part of most indian classical dance forms. If
performed in a smooth and delicate manner it increases the quality of both
Nritta and Abhinaya. The grace emerging out of Attami’s plays a very
important role in communicating an idea in abhinaya pieces or as an
ornament in Nritta. Like Gamakas are to carnatic music, neck movements
are to Bharatanatyam.
The four types of neck movements mentioned in AbhinayaDarpanam are:-

1. Sundari : Here the neck is moved from side to side. It is also called as
Attami.
2. Tirashchina: Here neck is moved in a V-shape.
3. Prarivartita: Here the neck is moved in a Semicircle or moonlike shape.
4. Prakampita: Here the neck is moved forward and back.

The Sanskrit verse (shloka) for Greeva Bheda is

“Sundari cha Tirashchina tathaiva Parivartita

Prakampita cha bhavagnair gneya greeva chaturvidha”

Bhoomika Dewangan
MYP Dance Teacher
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THE GREEVA BHEDA ACCORDING TO THE NATYA SHASTRA

The Greeva Bhedas are the classifications of the movements of the neck.

“Sundari cha tiraschina tathaiva parivartita

Prakampita cha bhavajnaih jneya greeva chaturvidha”

This shloka explains that the scholars on bhavas know that there are fourfold
classifications of the neck movements, i.e., Sundari, Tiraschina, parivartitaa and
prakampitaa.

SUNDARI GREEVA:
“Tiryak Prachalitaa Greevaa sundareeti nigadyate
Snehaarambbhe tathaa yatne Samyagarthe api cha smrtou
Sarasatwe anumode cha saa greevaa sundareeti mataa”

This means that when the neck is moved obliquely or horizontally, it is sundari
greeva.
It is used to show beginning of friendship, effort, saying “well done”, recollection,
badinage and acceptance.

TIRASCHINA GREEVA:
“Paarswadwayodhwa bhaage tu chalitaa sarpayaanavat
Saa greevaa tu tiraschiinetyuchyate naatyakovidaih
Khadgabhrame sarpagatyaam tirascheena prayujyate”

Experts believe that the upward movement of the neck on both sides , like the
gliding of the snake, is tirascheena greeva. It is used to denote the brandishing of a
sword and serpentine progression.

PARIVARTITA GREEVA:
“Savyaapasavya chalitaa greevaa yatraardha chandravat
Saahi naatyakalaabhijnaiha vijneyaa parivartitaa

Bhoomika Dewangan
MYP Dance Teacher
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Shringaara natane kaantaa kapoladwaya chumbane

Naatya tantra kalaabhijnaih prayojyaa parivartitaa”

When the neck moves to the right and the left like a half moon , t is known as
parivartitaa by the experts. It is used to show erotic dances to show kissing both the
cheeks of the charming beloved.

PRAKAMPITA GREEVA:
“Purahpashchaat Prachalanaat Kapotikantha kampavat
Prakampeti saa greeva Naatyashaastre prashasyate
Yushma dasmaditi prokte desinaatye Visheshataha
Dolaayaam manite chaiva prayoktavyaa prakampita”

When the neck moves forward and backward like that of a she pigeon, it is
recognized as the prakampita greeva. It is used to say ‘you and I’ in desi naatye;
swinging and sweet sounds produced as if by a she pigeon.

Bhoomika Dewangan
MYP Dance Teacher
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Bhoomika Dewangan
MYP Dance Teacher
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Bhoomika Dewangan
MYP Dance Teacher
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Bhoomika Dewangan
MYP Dance Teacher
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Link -http://onlinebharatanatyam.com/2010/02/12/greeva-bheda-or-neck-movements/

http://www.kalyanikalamandir.com/resources/greeva-bheda/

Bhoomika Dewangan
MYP Dance Teacher
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Bhoomika Dewangan
MYP Dance Teacher