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. Sutral Advau Fourth Variation (video)
3. Visharu Adavu Second Step
4. Sarikal Adavu First variation (explanation)
5. Four Points to consider with Ardhamandala Posture

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