abhinaya
/əb(h)ɪˈnɑːjə
/noun [mass noun]
(In Indian dance) expressive techniques used to convey a theme, mood, or idea.The closer the spectator is to the dancer, the greater impact the abhinaya will have....
- He had distaste for loudness in footwork or abhinaya.
- She was a rarity; all of her abhinaya was improvised.
Origin
Sanskrit, from abhi 'towards' + ni 'carry', literally 'carry towards (an audience)'.