INS AND OUTS OF INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE
KATHAK
Kathak -
General Background:
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This dance originates in the Northern regions of India, and is named after the Kathakars, or storytellers of the ancient times. The purpose of this dance is to convey mythological tales and stories of the epic heroes. The dance and the stories are expressed through the arm, eye, footwork, and face gestures. Small bells called gungurus are tied around the ankles . This dance is accompanied by a plethora of classical Indian instruments such as hand drums (tabla) and cycles (tal). This dance roots back to the Bhakti movement of the 8th century, which emphasized the incorporation of the traditional stories of the early life of the Hindu god Krishna.
Definitions for clarification:
Taal- The clapping or beat used to dance to.
Ghatbhav- Element of storytelling
Mudras- Hand Gestures
Gungurus- Bells Wrapped around the dancer’s ankles
The Learning Process:
In Kathak, the system to learn the dance is that there are 7 levels to master. Each level has its own set of skill to learn before moving on the next level. Each taal has different number of beats in that cycle, and is learned in the school. Once a student has completed his or her studies the final graduation performance is called Rangmanch Pravesh.
The outline to learn the dance is:
Level One: Prarambhik
- Teen Taal is introduced to the students ,and they learn the basics of Mudras
Level Two : Praveshika Pratham
Teen taal-16 beat cycle, Dadra, Kerawa
Ghatbhav-story telling
Mudras are thought
Level Three: Praveshika Purna
Teen taal- 16 beat cycle
Jhaap tal-10 beat cycle
Level Four: Madhyama Pratham
Teen taal- 16 beat cycle
Jhaap taal- 10 beat cycle
Eke taal-12beat cycle
Level Five: Madhyama Purna
Roopak taal-7 beat cycle
Dhamar taal-14 beat cycle
Level Six: Visharad Pratham
Pancham Sawari taal-15 beat cycle
Raas taal-13 beat cycle
Level Seven: Visharad Purna
Matt taal-18 beat cycle
Shikkar taal-17 beat cycle