Hyderabad, 20 May 2020.

This weekend, the NCPA@home series brings you a mesmerising dance presentation from its dance archives, ‘Designs of Space and Time’ by Kumudini Lakhia’s KADAMB on Sunday, 24th May 2020 at 6 pm, on the NCPA YouTube channel. 

This beautiful presentation was performed at the NCPA in October 2019.

KADAMB's dance ensemble is one of the most outstanding Kathak dance troupes in India founded by the renowned Kathak legend Padma Bhushan Kumudini Lakhia who 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 is 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 ( adhant ) of the 'bols', very fast and intricate footwork, 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 by Kumudini Lakhia

NCPA@home series includes exclusive videos and content across genres from NCPA's extensive archival library. Block your calendar and stay tuned to NCPA's YouTube page to enjoy the exclusive showcase!