Laya

Sanskrit

Tempo — the speed at which the cycle moves.

RhythmBharatanatyamKuchipudiOdissiKathak

Meaning

Laya is the tempo of a piece, usually spoken of in three degrees: vilambita (slow), madhya (medium) and drut (fast). A single item often passes through all three, and a dancer's control of laya — holding a slow tempo without drifting, doubling speed cleanly — is closely watched.

Related words

JathiA passage of pure rhythmic dance.TalaThe rhythmic cycle a piece is set in.TihaiA phrase repeated three times to land on the first beat.KorvaiA rhythmic composition, usually stated three times.NattuvangamConducting the recital with cymbals and spoken syllables.SamThe first beat of the rhythmic cycle.

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