There are several key features in Kathak. Ill be posting about each one regularly. One of the key features is footwork or Tatkaar. Tat is the sound created when one simply taps the floor with barefeet. It is also the sound created when striking a particular area with a specific technique on Tabla (indian percussion instrument). Akaar means shape. So the merged term of Tatkaar (in its most raw translation) means the shape of tat. I get shivers down my spine every time I think about this philosophy. Footwork is not mere beating the floor. The technique is subtle and precise to achieve the loud tap or tat sound. In addition, heel work is not to be heavy or jerky but fluid and conversational. The rhythmic patterns are calculated with mathematical perfection and fit into a timecycle to flawlessly complete each composition on the first beat of the cycle - more about this later. Strength, speed, stamina, expression and precision are some of the most important requirement to execute Tatkaar well. Here is a video of one of my greatest inspirations and a legend- Durga Lal ji. He was renowned for his footwork - brilliant clarity and majestic power and yet completely effortless. Enjoy! Sonia Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher and AD of Sonia Sabri Company
Posted on: Wed, 22 Jan 2014 22:18:19 +0000