Chauka

Odia

The square, grounded basic stance of Odissi.

TechniqueOdissi

Meaning

Chauka is a wide, symmetrical, four-square position with weight evenly placed and knees turned out — the masculine, grounded counterpart to the curved tribhangi. Odissi moves constantly between the two.

Also written: chowk

Related words

TribhangiThe three-bend stance central to Odissi.TatkarKathak footwork — the rhythmic language of the feet.AdavuThe basic unit of Bharatanatyam movement — its alphabet.AbhinayaThe art of expression — making meaning visible.AramandiThe half-sitting stance that defines Bharatanatyam's line.ChakkarThe fast spins characteristic of Kathak.

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