Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Erotic Sentiment Gait.
“Rasa is born when Bhava comes alive in movement.”
Every gesture counts. Every glance carries a world. But the feet? They whisper what words can’t. In classical Indian dance, how a character walks can set the entire emotional tone. Nowhere is this more potent than in the Sringara Rasa (Erotic Sentiment).
What is Sringara Gati or Erotic Sentiment Gait in Natyashastra?
In Natya, “gati” means walking with intention. It’s a silent message. Your Gati reflects mood, identity, and rasa. Each gati, or gait, reflects a character’s emotional landscape. The erotic gait, or Sringara Gati, evokes desire, longing, secrecy, or pleasure. And it changes with the love type portrayed.
The Natyashastra offers clear instructions. Two key styles of erotic gait are mentioned:
- Gait in Open Love (Prakaśa Sringara)
- Gait in Concealed Love (Gupta Sringara)
शृङ्गारे चैव शोके च स्वच्छन्दगमने तथा ।
गतिः स्थितलया कार्याधिकलान्तरपातिता ॥ ३५॥
śṛṅgāre caiva śoke ca svacchandagamane tathā |
gatiḥ sthitalayā kāryādhikalāntarapātitā || 35||
Meaning:
In Sringara (love), Shoka (sorrow), and in free movement (svacchanda-gamana), the gait (gati) should be performed in a slow rhythm (sthita-laya). This must be with increased intervals of beats (adhika-lāntara-pātitā).
पुनश्चिन्तान्विते चैव गतिः कार्या चतुष्कला ।
अस्वस्थकामिते चैव भये वित्रासिते तथा ॥ ३६॥
punaścintānvite caiva gatiḥ kāryā catuṣkalā |
asvasthakāmite caiva bhaye vitrāsite tathā || 36||
Meaning:
Also, in a state of deep thought (cintānvita), the gait (gati) should be rendered in a four-beat rhythm (catuṣ-kalā). Likewise in illness (asvastha), longing (kāma), fear (bhaya), and fright (vitrāsita).
Gait in Open Love: Grace on Display
The Mood
This is a love that’s declared by a person. No secrets. The initiation of forward gait as character walks confidently, elegantly, and with sensual appeal displays the main effect. The emotional context of the situation or normative arousal.
We are here, follow us.
Step-by-Step Procedure
1. Entry and Setup
- The character enters with a female messenger (dūtikā).
- His entrance should be slow and graceful.
2. Costume and Adornment
- Fragrant garlands around the neck.
- Fine garments with rich textures.
- Perfumed body.
- Ornamented bluntly (low key).
3. Gati Used: Atikrāntā Cārī
- Start with sama posture.
- This cārī is extended, deliberate, and elegant.
- One leg steps beyond the center of balance, slightly exaggerating the stride.
4. Tempo and Sauṣṭhava
- Use a slow tempo.
- Sauṣṭhava = harmonious posture.
- No slouching or stiffness. (think of a feather floating)
5. Synchrony Between Hands and Feet
- When right foot falls, the left hand rises.
- reaction time varies with intensity.
- As the foot rises, the hand lowers.
- This is not exaggerated. Think subtle flow.
Get featured on this blog?
Share your videos and images of you performing classical dance!
We’d love to showcase your talent and passion for classical dance with the world. (with proper credits)
Example: Practice These For Gait Initiation (for young adults and adults)
- Walk the first step and at the end of the first step, take 5 steps forward with Atikrāntā Cārī.
- Coordinate hand and foot oppositions.
- Mirror in front. Watch for rhythm and grace.
- Practice until it feels fluid, not choreographed.
Explore Samyuta and Asamyuta Hastas
Erotic Sentiment Gait in Hidden Love (The Lover in the Shadows)
The Mood
This is secretive, risky, and thrilling. It happens mainly at night. The stakes here are higher.
Step-by-Step Procedure
1. Entry and Setup
- The lover dismisses his servants.
- Walks with only the female messenger.
- It is night-time. Silence is crucial.
2. Costume and Setting
- Clothes are plain and dark.
- No ornaments. Nothing flashy.
- Hair is simple. The idea is not to attract attention.
3. Movement Quality
- Steps are quiet and slow.
- Body moves close to the ground.
- Occasionally pauses to listen.
- Should appear uneasy.
4. The Erotic Sentiment Gait: Faltering and Tense
- Small trembles in limbs.
- Eyes glance side to side.
- Body reacts to faint noises.
- The walk is almost furtive.
Example: Practice Method In Indian Classical Dance
- Walk across a darkened room.
- Imagine you’re being watched.
- Every creak underfoot is danger.
- Eyes dart. Shoulders tense.
- Pause often. Breathe silently.
Stage Tips for Dancers and Actors To Do Erotic Sentiment Gait
Engage the Rasika (audience)
- Use eye movement to tell the story.
- In open love, hold the gaze.
- In concealed love, flick the eyes nervously.
Use Space Smartly
- Open love = expansive. Use the full stage.
- Concealed love = limited space. Keep movements tight.
Play with Light and Sound
- For concealed love, dim lighting and minimal background score amplify the rasa.
Scholarly Insights
The Natyashastra (Chapters 10-13) directly details how movement corresponds to Bhāva and Rasa. The Abhinayadarpana complements this with descriptions of gait styles modeled on animals and birds. But here we deal with nuanced human emotions.
The ViṣŇudharmottarapurāṇa, in its Trtiyakhanda, extends this concept under “Gati and Prasāra” linking it with stagecraft and emotional cues.
References
- Bharata Muni, Nāṭyaśāstra, Chapters 10-13
- Abhinayadarpana of Nandikeśara
- ViṣŇudharmottarapurāṇa, Trtiyakhanda
- Shodhganga Repository on Natya and Gati
- Ghosh, Manomohan. The Natyashastra (Vol. I & II)
- Kapila Vatsyayan. Classical Indian Dance in Literature and the Arts
Frequently Asked Questions
Sringara gati brings out the feeling of romance in each movement. Sringara gati helps show emotions better, and it also helps the performer connect with people who are watching. The use of sringara and gati makes the themes in the dance stronger. This makes the dance look and feel better, and gives all who see it a deeper experience.
Costumes are a big part of sringara gati. They help show off the dancer’s moves and feelings. The fabric, colors, and decorations you choose make the dance more beautiful. They help share feelings of desire and tell a story in a way people can see. This way, the audience feels more connected and gets pulled into what is happening on stage.
Yes, sringara gati can be different from one dance style to another, like in Bharatanatyam and Kathakali. Each dance has its own way to show feelings of desire and romance. This is seen in how they move, use their body, and show feelings on stage. These styles also change with the culture and history behind them. This can make the way they show sringara gati special for each dance style.
Sringara gati can be changed to fit modern shows. To do this, you can use new dance styles and fresh ways of moving. This way, artists get to show old emotions in a new way. It also helps them connect with people today. Mixing old and new styles makes the show better. It brings both tradition and a fresh look together in sringara gati.
Mastering sringara gati needs a lot of practice in classical dance. You have to work on grace and make sure your body is in the right position. Dancers should practice the correct steps to improve how they move. They must use mudras in the right way. This will help them show the feeling of sringara well and make the stage performance stand out.
It is the expressive walk or gait used to portray romantic emotion in classical Indian theatre and dance.
Open love uses graceful, confident steps; secret love has silent, faltering movements full of tension.
The Atikrāntā Cārī is used for portraying open erotic sentiment with elegance and fluidity.
It adds rhythm, sensuality, and emotional nuance to the character’s expression on stage.
Yes, with proper guidance and consistent practice, dancers at all levels can learn to embody it.
Share the article
Final Thoughts
In Sringara, everything breathes seduction. Or suspense. Every step can make the audience lean forward or blush. But this power doesn’t come from imitation.
It comes from practice.
From embodying the rasa. From syncing mind, mood, and muscle.
Master these gatis. Express love while making it walk across the stage.
About Natya-Shastra.in
At Natya-Shastra.in, our mission is to serve as a gateway to the illustrious world of the NāṭyaŚāstra. We offer insights, resources, and a platform to delve deeper into the nuances of Indian performing arts.
Also, we aim to bring forth the richness of this ancient text. We try to shed light on the profound wisdom it holds and its everlasting influence on various artistic traditions.
We are here, follow us.
Disclaimer:
Affiliate Links: Some links earn us a commission (at no cost to you). We only recommend helpful products.
NatyaShastra Glossary: Head over to the Natyashastra Glossary page to know the meaning behind Sanskrit terms used in the articles.
Images & Videos: Representational only, not exact depictions.
Knowledge Source & References: Inspired by ancient Natyashastra scriptures, open to interpretation.
Disclaimer: Educational only, not professional advice. Consult a qualified expert for specific needs.
Offer Your Expertise