Tatkar

Hindi

Kathak footwork — the rhythmic language of the feet.

TechniqueKathak

Meaning

Tatkar is the footwork of Kathak, built on syllable patterns spoken as bols and struck out by the feet with the ankle bells sounding each beat. It is practised at increasing speeds within a tala cycle and is the foundation on which a Kathak dancer's rhythmic vocabulary rests.

Also written: tatkaar

Related words

ChakkarThe fast spins characteristic of Kathak.TihaiA phrase repeated three times to land on the first beat.AdavuThe basic unit of Bharatanatyam movement — its alphabet.NrityaDance that expresses meaning — movement joined to sentiment.AramandiThe half-sitting stance that defines Bharatanatyam's line.TribhangiThe three-bend stance central to Odissi.

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