This dance, Navarasa, created and performed by Jyoti Rout, is in the tradition of abhinaya. Abhinaya is dramatic mime conveying the meaning or mood of a song, tune or rhythm. The solo dancer plays all the roles without the aid of props, sets, or specific costumes, rapidly shifting from woman to man, youth to adult, god to demon.

Navarasa is a compostion of stories from The Ramayana which express nine rasas (moods or emotions) that we experience in our everyday lives. Here are Jyoti Rout's notes on the nine movements of the dance. Video performances are on-line for the first two movements.

1. Sringar (Love): Lord Ram and his wife Sita are enjoying the beauty of nature -- the trees, flowers, birds, butterfly, water, fish and the dancing peacocks. They both experience inner, pure love.
2. Vira (Virtue): Strength is positive when humbleness is present; many proud and herioc kings try to lift the special, holy bow of Lord Siva. If one accomplishes this feat, he is given Sita's hand in marriage. Only Lord Ram is able to lift and break the bow due to his humility.
3. Karunya (Sorrow): A great devotee, the bird Jatayu, sacrifices his life for his master and god, Lord Ram. Ram offers water and blesses the bird, feeling deep sorrow.
4. Adbhuta (Astonishment or Surprise): To cross the ocean, Lord Ram and his devotee monkeys make a bridge of heavy rocks on the water. By the touch of Lord Ram, the rocks float on the water, this astonishes everyone present.
5. Hasya (Laughter): By chopping off the nose of the demon sister of Ravana, the Ram's brother Lakshman, makes everyone laugh. Truth always overcomes evil.
6. Bhaya (Fear): Sita is full of fear because she sees the ugly image of the demon Ravana everywhere.
7. Bhibatsya (Disgust): After the battle, vultures and other animals are tearing and eating the flesh of the dead bodies and licking the blood. this disgusts Sita.
8. Raudra (Anger): Anger on the battlefield is displayed by Lord Ram's troops in order to defeat the enemy.
9. Shanta (Peace): Where there is peace, there are no waves of emotion. All emotions merge in peace. Saints and yogis enjoy the feelings of devotion and peace.

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