Abhinaya or facial expressions, is a key aspect of natya, helping dancers communicate emotions effectively. Expressions like raised eyebrows for surprise, teary eyes for sadness and a smile for happiness make performances more engaging. Classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam and Kathakali rely heavily on exaggerated facial movements to depict characters and narratives. Without proper expressions, the performance may lack emotional depth, making abhinaya essential for connecting with the audience.