Listen: How tabla players accompany Kathak dancers

Tabla accompaniment to Kathak dance is very distinct from the kind that is heard in a vocal or instrumental performance. The nritta or pure dance element in Kathak is almost completely based on preconceived rhythmic compositions that incorporate gesture, movement and footwork. The tabla player is expected to produce bols that simulate the footwork, while also focusing on the overall aesthetic appeal created by gesture and movement.

It is not uncommon therefore to come across some tabla players have practised with the same dancers over a period, and who as a result, are conversant with most of the latter’s repertoire. There are times when a dancer may be performing with a tabla player, who she or he may not have met before, but this is possible only if the tabla player is familiar with Kathak vocabulary and can then apply this knowledge to the need of the moment.

During the nritta section, the tabla player also plays few solo passages. These may be inspired by the dance repertoire or may strictly incorporate tabla compositions.

Dancers may choose to present repertoire in a variety of taals, but for today’s episode, we will view tracks that feature the sixteen-matra Teentaal. Typically, the performance moves from slow to fast...

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