Shabdam is a devotional piece on Lord Krishna. “My friend! Is it fair for you to be deceitful at this time? At a time when my heart desires for Krishna? Can one desire for anything other than lotus-like feet of my very own Lord who is beauty personified? Will even a lotus flower be equal to him/his feet in beauty/ softness?” A Shabdam in Bharatanatyam is the first piece in the repertoire that introduces abhinaya (expressive storytelling) alongside rhythmic dance. It typically praises a deity, king, or patron, using simple lyrics and movements to convey meaning. The choreography alternates between pure dance (nritta) and expressive mime (nritya). Shabdam marks a transition from purely technical pieces to more narrative and emotive performances.
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