Head movements are also called Shirobheda. Shira or shirasa meaning ” Head” in sanskrit. The head  movements refer to the head positions, while expressing a particular bhava. There are Nine head movements.

1. Sama : The head kept straight
2. Udvahitam : Head Looking upwards
3. Adhomukham : Looking Down
4. Alolitam: Circular Movement of the head
5. Dhutam: Right to left movement of the head
6. Kampitam: Up and down nod of the head
7. Paravrittam: Brisk turning of the head to the right or left
8. Ukshiptam: Head is turned and raised or a slanting position of the head.
9. Parivahittam: Quick small shakes of the head.

Shloka :

Sama udvahitam adhomukha-lolitam Dhutam
kampitam cha paravrittam ukshiptam parivahitam
navdhakathitam shirasa natyashastra visharadaihi.

The following Video will demonstrate the Head movements.

Related posts:

1. Eye Movements or Drishthi Bheda
2. Sarikal Adavu First variation (explanation)
3. Sutral Advau Fourth Variation (video)
4. Visharu Adavu Second Step
5. Alarippu

Tags:   Aalolita · adhomukham · bharat natya · bharata natyam · Bharatanatyam · Bharatnatyam · bhedas · Gesture · head movements · Indian classical dance · kampitam · lessons · Mudras · parivahittam · parvrittam · sama · Shiro bheda · udvahitam · ukshiptam