The Dance Form of Kathak
There are three - Gharanas - the school of kathak.These schools
are named as per the geographical areas in which they are developed.
These are Jaipur, Lucknow and Benaras Gharanas.
All compositions in Kathak are performed so that the final step and the
beat of the composition lands on the " Sam " or the
first beat of the cycle. Most compositions also have " bols "which
serve both as mnemonics to thecomposition and whose recitation also acts
as a part of the performance. In addition to these "Tukras"
are also formed to highlight the specific aspects of kathak. The "bols"
can be borrowed from tabla (e.g. dha, ge, na, tirakiTa) or can be a
dance variety (ta, thei, tat, ta ta, tigda, digdig and so on).
Musical Instruments used in Kathak
Bansuri
Dilruba
Ghungharu
Harmonium
Pakhawaj
Santur
Sarangi
Sarod
Sitar
Tabla
Tanpura
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