Shiro Bheda (शिरो भेद): Complete Tutorial on Head Movements

Shiro Bheda: A Complete Tutorial on Nine Classical Head Movements | Indian Classical Dance

Hello everyone!
In this video, I am presenting an in-depth tutorial on Shiro Bheda (शिरो भेद), the various head movements as described in the ancient Indian classical dance texts. These head movements are an essential aspect of the classical dance forms, be it Kathak, Bharatnatyam or Kuchipudi, and they play a crucial role in expressing different emotions and meanings.

I will guide you through the nine head movements step-by-step, demonstrating each one with its definition and usage:

1. Sama (सम शिर) – The head kept level and straight.
Used to show calmness, respect, and balance.


2. Udvahitam (उद्वाहित शिर) – The head looking upwards.
Used to express skyward vision, pride, or looking at something elevated.


3. Adhomukham (अधोमुख शिर) – The head looking downwards.
Used to depict sorrow, modesty, or looking down towards the ground.


4. Alolitam (आलोलित शिर) – Circular movement of the head.
Used for expressing playfulness, laughter, or dizziness.


5. Dhutam (धुत शिर) – Right to left movement of the head.
Used to show refusal, surprise, or shaking off something.


6. Kampitam (कम्पित शिर) – Up and down nod of the head.
Used to express affirmation, questioning, or encouragement.


7. Paravrittam (परावृत्त शिर) – Brisk turning of the head to the right or left.
Used to indicate command, anger, or alertness.


8. Utkshiptam (उत्क्षिप्त शिर) – Head raised or slanting.
Used for expressing doubt, contemplation, or admiration.


9. Parivaahitam (परिवाहित शिर) – Quick small shakes of the head at the sides.
Used to show shyness, joy, or excitement.



These movements are an integral part of Indian classical dance, contributing to the expressiveness and storytelling. I hope this tutorial helps you gain a deeper understanding and perfect your movements.

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