The distinct quality of classical dance of India forms that sets them apart from every other dance form of the world is the unparalleled synchronization of facial expression, hand movements, and flawless footwork matching to the perfect rhythm. It is not just the graceful ‘mudras’ or hand movements and vivacious expressions that enrapt the audience but also the fluid footwork in perfect alignment with the rhythm that keeps the audience hooked to their seats.
The classical dance of India forms, Bharatnatyam, Odissi, and Kathak, do not just appeal to the audience because of the divine art of storytelling that it presents on stage or the exuberance that gets manifested in each of the recitals but also the energetic yet dexterous footwork performed by the dancers. When the Indian classical dancers put on the traditional costumes of each of the Indian classical dances and the ghungroo to their feet, the entire presentation comes to life. It is the ghungroo that accentuates the rhythmic movement of the feet and helps in bringing to life the coordination across the movements during the recital.
1. Bharatnatyam
The name of this particular dance form can be segregated to identify the prime components, “Bha ” or expression, “ra ” or classical music, “ta” or rhythm, and “natyam” or dance. In Indian classical dances Bharatanatyam, the intricate footwork is usually referred to as the term chai bheda, and in every Bharatanatyam choreography, uniqueness is brought to the performance by the different variations of this footwork. Some of the most common footwork in Bharatanatyam includes vahgini, sarana, cancramana, and kuttana.
Besides that, it is a striking combination of postures like the fixed upper torso, the Arai Mandi, the bent legs with a vast array of footwork, and the vibrant sign language which creates magic on stage. Making its way through the ancient traditions and culture of Indian history, especially that of South India and its temple dancers, Bharatnatyam has always been synonymous with spiritual symbolisms, vigorous rhythm, incredible facial expressions, and outstanding footwork.
2. Kathak
It is not possible to talk about distinct footwork, permutations, and combinations of different foot movements and unparalleled expressions without mentioning the classical dances of India form of Kathak.
It is not just the dizzying spins of the classical dances of Indian form that can leave you astonished, but the narrative tales of the dance form coming to life because of the rhythmic footwork, the rapid turns, and those unmistakable and relentless slaps of the feet can render you speechless as well. For every classical dance of India form, musical instruments play a very paramount role in setting the base of the recital, and the same goes for Kathak as well. Some of the fundamental instruments that are used during a Kathak dance performance are pakhawaj, tabla, and harmonium, all of which combined form the track which guides the sharp feet movements of the dancer.
The whole purpose of Kathak, the classical dances of India, is to extend the vibrations created in the body to the ground, thereby forging a spiritual connection between the temporal body and the divine. The precise footwork of Kathak, that is tatkar, mainly aims to enhance the flexibility of the dancers’ body by allowing them to gain mastery over their own limbs, especially when they need to apply all the force to their feet while doing the tatkar, or performing those pirouettes!
3. Odissi
In all the classical Indian dance forms rhythm or tal is the soul and heart, without which the expressions will be bland, and the free-flowing nature of the dance movements would also lose their appeal. Similarly, in Odissi as well, the rhythm is set by using the musical instrument called the mridanga or pakhawaj. Unlike the other Indian classical dances forms like Bharatanatyam or Kathak, Odissi is a very sensual Classical dances of India form where the performances are tributes to gods in the form of devotional poetry. Although the most significant movements in this dance form are that of the head, torso, and bust, the footwork in this dance form is known as Pada Bheda, which means the different variations with which the foot movements are presented by the graceful dancers on stage.
Footwork and rhythm are like the heart and mind in classical dances of India forms, where the precision with which the feet will be touching the ground at the particular beat of the music with proper coordination of the hand and facial expressions is mastered by the dancers throughout their training. It is their perfect sense of timing and ability to make swift movements while maintaining the technicalities in terms of footwork and never losing the rhythmic harmony that unleashes the feminine power and divineness of classical dance of India forms on stage.
Therefore, it is the expertise of the classical dances of India in controlling their feet while knowing the timing of the rhythm, like the back of their hands, that collaborate to create a stunning aesthetic experience for the audience.
