Designs of Space and Time
By Kumudini Lakhia’s Kadamb
&
Footprints On Water (Extracts)
By Aditi Mangaldas
An NCPA Presentation
Kadamb’s dance ensemble is one of the most outstanding Kathak dance troupes in India. The renowned Kathak legend Padma Bhushan Kumudini Lakhia has invested her lifetime in promoting and propagating classical Kathak. A celebrated group of dancers will present a bouquet of classical Kathak dance choreographies by the maestro with their virtuosity, precision and elegance.
Kadamb will begin the show with
Upaj… one sees a variety of ‘ tatkar or foot work is an important aspect of the traditional Kathak dance. This is followed by Tukras and Parans which are compositions of rhythmic pieces performed by the dancer to the accompaniment of Tabla which plays the same ‘ bol ‘ patterns.SAMANVAY ..
A composition in the classical Kathak format where one sees the use of various floor patterns as well as structure appearing and changing into movements where space becomes a part of the dance. A group of male dancers will recite ( Padhant ) of the ‘ bols’ , very fast and intricate foot work, , Brahmaris , powerful Tatkar of Pakhawaj , Tabla and Permaelu bols creating a very dynamic form of Kathak.
Gat -Gati is based on the movement structure of the classical Kathak dance known as the ‘Nritta ‘– very abstract in form . The movements are graceful as well as brisk and the dance covers the floor area in fast moving patterns of the feet , arms and pirouettes. Gat-Gati is a composition in two different ‘ Taalas ‘ ( rhythm patterns ) where the dancers exhibit their virtuosity and control on the Kathak technique.
The conclusion of the performance is with Tarana….
In the repertoire of the Indian classical music, Tarana is a form of singing in which there is no content of poetry or words instead the singer uses ‘bols’ or syllables to the melody of the ‘Raga ’ set to a given rhythm. This particular dance composition is a visualization in movements of the flow of the musical patterns of this melody. Choreography: Kumudini Lakhia
The evening will continue with Aditi Mangaldas presenting her solo Footprints On Water (Extracts)who is honoured and humbled to be presenting in honour of her guru, Kumudini Lakhia. Mangaldas is a leading dancer and choreographer in the classical Indian dance form of Kathak. Having trained under Lakhia and Briju Maharaj, her artisty, technique, eloquence and characteristic energy mark every performance. She was recently nominated in the category of outstanding performance (classical) by the National Dance Critics Circle Awards 2017 in the UK. Premiered in 1996, Footprints On Water was one of her most iconic solos, that explored the six changing seasons, evoking images of life that are transient. She is performing four extracts: Varsha, Sharad, Hemant and Shishir.
Concept, Choreography and Costumes: Aditi Mangaldas
Music Composition: Shubha Mudgal
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