Nrityam

In the video I am performing a

You need to guess to which taal the tihaai is set?

Also notice that without the nagma it is difficult to decipher what exactly is happening. There is no point in practicing without the lehra. In the same vein, there is no point in being an artist and not take a stand. You don’t have to protest. But you can begin by asking whether you had been practicing without the nagma? Is it too late to bring about the change in yourself first? And, have you evaluated your privilege?

I have noticed that my views ruffle some feathers. That is the point of being an artist. If you felt ruffled, that was the goal.

Anyway enjoy the tihaai and answer the question.



P. S. : I am aware that I may lose some followers for this. Good riddance!

Jai Gurudev 🙏

Intuitive and counterintuitive. For me there are times when I focus on something as obvious and important as the sam सम. And then there are times when my mind wanders to intangible things. Could my layakari be further improved by focusing on the inconspicuous nature of the nagma? The rhythmic reverberations that can only be felt? I don’t know…

Yet, I find that such revelations do occur to me when I heed the advice of my gurus and mentors. The important thing is to Listen: to the words of your Gurus and the contours of the nagma.

What am I rambling about here? I don’t know. Enjoy the video.



Jai Gurudev 🙏

I often go back to Guruji’s aphorism: Dance lives between the compositions. Compositions in themselves are not

In this video, I have tried to feel every beat and treated every 5th beat as सम

This gives one 4 opportunities to practice the ‘pose’ one strikes at the सम

Remember to slow down and feel every beat. I am most comfortable at 60 bpm. Maybe for you it’s 65 or 55. That doesn’t matter. What matters is the ‘dance’ that is free from the shackles of a composition. Probably there resides the territory called Improvisation.



Jai Gurudev 🙏

There are many other words that I must share here

First the inimitable Yogesh Gangani bhaiya on the tabla.
Then, Swati didi’s effortlessness and enthusiasm in equal measure.
Next, the effervescent Nainika on the padhant
And finally, with his mellifluous voice and enchanting accompaniment Sami bhaiya

Slowly and surely, I am on my journey to finding my authentic voice. It may resonate with some. Irk some others. And flabbergast a little. Nevertheless, it’s me in myriad roles.



Jai Gurudev 🙏

through

I have always aspired to combine my Kathak knowledge with my love for the language. And while I am not a native speaker (obviously!) I do try to use appropriate and relevant words wherever possible. After all, words have the power to change the fabric of reality itself. Don’t you think?

This is my first attempt at bringing these two passions together in a single tutorial.

Because I think I am a teacher first and foremost!



Jai Gurudev 🙏

Here’s an intriguing question for students.

Question: If the three pallas of the tihaai have exactly the same bols, but their order is tweaked slightly, will that tihaai be still called a tihaai?

The intention of the question is not technical accuracy or theoretical conformity. It is to highlight the difference between theory and practical.

You see, when a dancer performs, takes precedence over technical correctness and grammar.

Of course, this is not to undermine theory or grammar at all.

This is merely to highlight the fact that mastery over grammar and vocabulary can lead to creation of beautiful sentences. The sentence thus created remains within the confines of grammar, but transcends it to become sublime!

Regardless of your interpretation or answer, it is important to have fun.



Tihaai credit: bhaiya 🙏

Jai Gurudev 🙏

Go where the bols take you.



Jai Gurudev 🙏

As promised, here is an answer to the question raised in the previous reel (which has been linked to this one, so check that out).

Apart from the detailed explanation, I have included a bonus for you. Watch it till the end and let me know if you have further questions.

Also will you all be interested in a tihaai workshop? Through tihaais the concept of kramlaya and layakari can be further explored.



Jai Gurudev 🙏