Nṛtta Sādhana

Nṛtta Sādhana is ‘pure dance’, that which is devoid of mood or sentiment, thus allowing the mind to rest.

This self-cultivating practice is distinguished from mimetic dance (dance for performance). It is, by definition, free from acrobatics, consisting only of graceful swaying, churning, coiling and stepping actions combined with arm, hand and finger gestures. The rhythmic application of slight bodily movements allows the sadhaka (aspirant) to discover the natural rhythmic currents hidden within the body, and in such a way, prepares him or her for the more subtle and internal aspects of yoga. Nrtta Sadhana comprises four forms: the Shiva Tandava - wild dance of Shiva; the Ashtamatrikas - the eight mother palms (the short form); the Lasya - Kali’s dance of creation (the long form); and the Ananda Tandava - Shiva’s dance of dissolution.