Question

Practice various Mudras used in dance. Using your fingers, perform mudras of birds and animals to cast their shadows on the wall.

Answer 1

Steps to Practice Mudras and Shadow Art:

1. Learn Mudras for Birds and Animals:

Here are some simple mudras from classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam or Kathak that represent birds and animals:

• Hamsasya Mudra (Swan): Form a circle with your thumb and index finger, keeping the other fingers extended.

• Mayura Mudra (Peacock): Touch the tips of your thumb and ring finger, with other fingers stretched out.

• Simhamukha Mudra (Lion): Join the tips of your thumb, middle, and ring fingers, keeping the index and little fingers extended.

• Mrigasheersha Mudra (Deer): Extend the thumb, index, and little fingers while folding the middle and ring fingers.

2. Cast Shadow Shapes on the Wall:

• Set Up:

  1. In a dim room, place a light source (like a lamp or flashlight) behind your hands.
  2. Position your hands between the light and the wall.

• Perform Shadows of Birds and Animals:

  1. Use your fingers to form the mudras.
  2. Adjust the angle and distance of your hands to create clear shadows on the wall.