rhyth mos on the floor!
The old times Dispersion of Kathak
The routine
transition from practice to stage
NYKF 20’
bringing Kathak to NYC
Kathak A diffuse tradition of Lucknow, Benaras, Jaipur & Raipur
A Journey
Preserving the tradition in the modern world JAN 2020 | 1 JAN2020
rhythmos from the editor
Dance . Shower . Repeat .
A
s a young ambitious architect little did I know that Kathak as a dance form would be so significant in my life. It started as a hobby and soon became my identity before I even became an architect. This journey of becoming a Kathak dancer has shaped me in so many ways developing my personality and nature. The dance influenced my aesthetic tastes and impacted on my design process during my undergarduate years at architecture school. Dance indeed is a significant medium of expression. Being an introvert Dance helped me to overcome that and become more open to interaction. It adds an ease of communication and one ends up seeing rhythm, flow choreography in ordinary things as well. Before I knew it, Kathak Dance had already embraced my thinking and body language. Considering the impact it had on my life I decided to take the topic of World Dance as the broader idea for the magazine and choose Kathak Dance as the topic for the prototype issue. The magazine is largely aimed at connecting the varied dance forms in the world to the general public and people interested in dance, even if they are not professional dancers. Each issue tries to get close to the dance form to its detailed aspects. The goal is to putforward the evolution of the dance form. Each issue would involve discussions and reviews about the particular dance form being covered in the issue. The topics explored through each section would inolve the history, geographical origins and locations of the dance form, showcase some of the contemporary performers and their journeys concluding with the overview section which will give the readers the whole dance form in a nutshell.
Even though the overall look and format of the magazine looks formal and disciplined I have tried to add an element of fun , enjoyement and positivity through the contrast of colours and illustration. I just do not aim for the magazine to be informative but I would also like the readers to benefit from the magazine and get entertained. In conclusion, I would just like to say that through this inaugaral issue I am able to bring your minds to understand the authenticity of an Indian Classical dance form such as Kathak. It is about showcasing this dance form amidst the binaries of classical and contemporary, traditional and modern that exists in the system and re-interpret it with a refreshing vision.
ishita parmar photo credits : FELICIA JAGDATT rhythmos | KATHAK
Ka thak Kathak, one of the main forms of classical dance-drama of India, other major ones being Bharata natyam, Kathakali, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, and Odissi. Kathak is indigenous to northern India and developed under the influence of both Hindu and Muslim cultures.
Kathak
is
characterized
by
intricate footwork and precise rhythmic patterns that the dancer articulates by controlling about 100 ankle bells. It takes its movements from life, stylizes them, and adds the complex rhythmic patterns. Kathak is danced by both males and females; many of the dances convey moods of love.
editorial
design
Feature Editor: Mitali Sonar Senior Editors: Saanya Sharma, Daniel Ching, Sara Geller Editorial Assistant: Jenifer Dahlin Associate Editors: Isabel Linetti
Design Director Andy Bernard Art Director Rosa Diaz Designer April Ludagte Art Assistant Micheal James
operations
photography
Production Manager Jay Panchal Research Director Ria Pawar Editorial Operations Priya Mehta Manager
Staff Photographer Damien Jacobs Associate Visuals Editor Jay Fox Photo Editor Peter James
JAN 2020 | 3
illustration by ISHITA PARMAR rhythmos | KATHAK
the old times 5 Historic Significance The emergence of Kathak as a dance form.
10 Geography The cities which were centers of the dance form
15 Styles of the Kathak The houses or Gharanas of Kathak and their pecularities.
the artist 30 Nayantara Parpia A dancer, A teacher, A housewife and A mother
33 Attire The attire for the dance for the emphatic stage presence.
35 NYKF 20’ The NewYork Kathak Festival 2020
25 The Teacher and the Dancer The transfer of the skillsets & art
This Issue the routine
the outline
37 The Architecture
46 Current Status
The space for pratice
Where does Kathak stand today?
40 Dimensional Capacities
47 Preservation
Transgression of Kathak from the temples to palaces
How are dancers evolving to keep this dance form alive
42 New Platforms
48 Analogy
Youtube and social media as global platforms
Kathak and Flamenco
44 The pure joy of watching
50 Vocabulary It basically goes like...
The experience of the auidience while watching a live show versus a live webcast.
on the cover
Nayantara Parpia is a young Kathak dancer with a vibrant energetic stage presence that leaves a striking impression on her audiences. Photo credit: Nayantara Parpia
JAN 2020 | 5
whyKATHAK the artist
Photo Credit: NAYANTARA PARPIA
Nayantara Parpia, finding her own voice through the conversation that takes place among the dancer, musicians and audience
W
afer gummies soufflé croissant macaroon candy gingerbread. Lollipop tart chocolate bar candy canes oat cake gingerbread gummi bears muffin. Muffin toffee pastry bear claw. Sesame snaps cupcake chocolate cake chocolate cake. Brownie powder cake. Donut fruitcake chupa chups croissant caramels toffee. Icing candy canes danish ice cream icing. Dessert soufflé lollipop pudding. Jelly jelly beans apple pie. Soufflé dessert apple pie tootsie roll gummi bears lollipop croissant. rhythmos | KATHAK
Fruitcake soufflé I love I love liquorice sweet roll powder. I love gingerbread I love pudding sugar plum. Oat cake cheesecake pastry. Powder brownie cotton candy dessert marshmallow. Oat cake jujubes cheesecake jelly beans I love toffee I love icing. Jelly-o cookie toffee jelly beans biscuit jelly-o icing. I love toffee soufflé pastry icing tiramisu chocolate bar. Candy canes biscuit oat cake candy cupcake. Sesame snaps I love sweet I love. Jelly beans sweet roll I love apple pie. Marzipan croissant toffee. Marshmallow halvah biscuit cake dragée tootsie roll.
Jelly marzipan marzipan marshmallow lemon drops carrot cake. Tootsie roll cotton candy gummi bears. Croissant chocolate cake pie cake chupa chups. Danish cheesecake cupcake chupa chups. Chocolate cake donut oat cake sugar plum dessert. Gingerbread donut pudding jelly lollipop tart chocolate powder macaroon. Apple pie oat cake liquorice chocolate tootsie roll gingerbread. Caramels icing lemon drops cupcake. Liquorice gingerbread candy toffee candy. Jelly beans muffin tiramisu cookie caramels chocolate bar.
the ethics
the business Natraj : Lord of Dance The Hindu god Shiva in his form as the cosmic dancer, represented in metal or stone in many Shaivite temples. Shiva is shown as the source of all movement within the cosmos and as the god whose doomsday dance, represented by the arch of flames, accompanies the dissolution of the universe at the end of an eon. His figure is encircled by a ring of flames, the prabhamandala.
The coutroom synergy Behind palace walls, the emotional and graceful storytelling inherent in its Hindu roots combined with the more technical postures, rhythmic mathematics of Islam. Thus, Kathak developed into a strong dance tradition that incorporates elements of both Hindu and Muslim culture.
The oral tradition Kathakars, are people who narrate stories largely based on episodes from the epics, myths and legends. Mime and gestures were perhaps added later on to make the recitation more effective. Kathak is the only form of classical dance wedded to Hindustani or the North Indian music.
A Duel & Duet : Kathak & Flamenco Flamenco is more contemporary to the Kathak that was developed with Persian and Moghul influences. The dance form started as a storytelling form by groups known as ‘Kathaakars’ who naturally influenced by the folk art and dance around that region.
Beyond the Floor Anisha Muni talks about the NewYork Kathak Festival a non-profit organization tracing the classical dance to its origins back to India.The New York Kathak Festival is produced by the American Kathak community, inspiring creative exchange between local Kathak artists and diverse New York audiences. The NYKF is our passion above and beyond our professional careers in industries ranging from fashion, technology, finance, fitness, education, journalism, marketing, and medicine. As a group of young professionals who love Kathak, we strongly believe that we must set a foundation for Indian art + culture to thrive in New York. The underlying philosophy of NYKF: Inclusivity : NYKF is not about promoting any one individual or group it’s about the dance. Local + global : Kathak first came to the US in the 1950s and 1960s through New Yorkers who travelled to India to learn from masters. Inspiring : We inspire and encourage their imaginations to learn and share. Gratitude : The festival is our expression of gratitude for the art that our teachers have passed to us, and their teachers passed to them—against difficult odds, and often without recognition.
Image sources: CREATIVE COMMONS JAN 2020 | 7
the old times - Styles of Kathak
Inception & the 4 styles within Kathak This genre was created amid the Bhakti movement stages of the Indian Vedic History. Kathak is fine art in light of quick footwork and considerably quick chakkars (pirouettes). There are 4 Gharanas (styles) in Kathak, which for the most part vary in accentuation given to footwork, they are; the Jaipur, Lucknow, Benaras and the Raigarh Gharana. 1 : Jaipur Under this form, significance is put on the more technical aspects of dance, complex and powerful footwork, multiple spins, and compositions in different talas. 2 : Lucknow This style underscores beauty, grace, style, elegance and naturalness showing the great feminine styles in the dance.
3 : Benaras This style is described by the selective utilization of the natwari or dance bols. There is additionally a great utilization of the floor. 4 : Raigarh This style was established by the Maharaja Chakradhar Singh in the august province of Raigarh in Chhatisgarh during the mid-twentieth century.
illustration by ISHITA PARMAR rhythmos | KATHAK
The Routine From Temples to Palaces A transition from the temple dance halls to the courtyard entailed changes in presentation. by ALIA ROBERTS image source : CREATIVE COMMONS
When the pat ron age shifted from the temples to the royal court, then the emphasis shifted from the telling of religious stories to one of entertainment.
ahead in the section
The Architecture
Preservation
Vocabulary
The space for pratice p 33
How are dancers evolving to keep this dance form alive p 35
Hand gestures of Kathak Dance p 36 JAN 2020 | 9
the routine - Dimensional Capacities
C
ursus risus at ultrices mi. Cursus eget nunc scelerisque viverra mauris. Pellentesque id nibh tortor id aliquet lectus. Ut enim blandit volutpat maecenas. Etiam erat velit scelerisque in dictum non consectetur a. In egestas erat imperdiet sed euismod. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada.
The arched hallways demanded for a re-invention in the story-telling of Kathak dance.
In nulla posuere sollicitudin aliquam ultrices sagittis orci a. Sem integer vitae justo eget magna fermentum iaculis. Mattis molestie a iaculis at. Purus viverra accumsan in nisl nisi scelerisque eu ultrices. Sagittis id consectetur purus ut faucibus pulvinar. In nulla posuere sollicitudin aliquam ultrices sagittis orci a. Quam nulla porttitor massa id.
Blandit cursus risus at ultrices. Non consectetur a erat nam. Pharetra convallis posuere morbi leo urna molestie at. Diam donec adipiscing tristique risus nec feugiat in fermentum posuere. Ut eu sem integer vitae justo eget magna. Enim lobortis scelerisque fermentum dui faucibus in ornare quam. Iaculis urna id volutpat lacus laoreet non curabitur gravida. Nisl nunc mi ipsum faucibus vitae. Vivamus at augue eget arcu dictum varius. Leo vel fringilla est ullamcorper eget nulla facilisi etiam dignissim. Sit amet justo donec enim diam vulputate. Dolor purus non enim praesent elementum facilisis leo. Duis ut diam quam nulla. Et odio pellentesque diam volutpat commodo. Netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas sed tempus. Purus gravida quis blandit turpis cursus in hac habitasse platea. Et molestie ac feugiat sed. Feugiat vivamus at augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. Amet consectetur adipiscing elit duis tristique sollicitudin. Ornare arcu dui vivamus arcu felis bibendum ut. Duis convallis convallis tellus id interdum velit laoreet id donec. Egestas egestas fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium. Lorem mollis aliquam ut porttitor. Dui accumsan sit amet nulla facilisi. A cras semper auctor neque. Sed viverra tellus in hac. Euismod quis viverra nibh cras pulvinar mattis. Vitae suscipit tellus mauris a diam maecenas. Mauris vitae ultricies leo integer malesuada nunc vel. Velit ut tortor pretium viverra suspendisse potenti nullam ac. Morbi tempus iaculis urna id volutpat lacus laoreet non. Netus et malesuada fames ac. Nunc mattis enim ut tellus elementum sagittis vitae et leo. Tellus pellentesque eu tincidunt tortor. Bibendum neque egestas congue quisque egestas diam in arcu cursus. Euismod nisi porta lorem mollis aliquam ut. Eget lorem dolor sed viverra ipsum. Nisl vel pretium lectus quam. Non sodales neque sodales ut etiam sit amet. Nisl nunc mi ipsum faucibus vitae aliquet. Nunc sed augue lacus viverra vitae congue eu consequat ac. Sed risus ultricies tristique nulla aliquet enim. Tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis. Ultrices mi tempus imperdiet nulla malesuada. image source : CREATIVE COMMONS
rhythmos | KATHAK
24
the oultine - Vocabulary
Hand Gestures (hasta mudra) making the story within the dance easy to understand. Petal : Arala Scissors / Tongs : Kartarimukha
ALPHABETS OF KATHAK
The pinnacle : Shikhara Flag : Pataka Peacock : Mayura
Parrot’s beak : Shukathundam
Full moon : Chandrakala
Half moon : Ardhachandra
Bracelet : Katkamukha
2 parts of a flag : Ardhapataka
Fully Bloomed Lotus : Alapadma Needle : Suchi
3 parts of a flag : Tripataka Fist : Mushti
Hood of Cobra : Sarpasirsham
Wood apple : Kapita
Lotus petal : Padmakosha
Deer’s head: Mrigaseerisham Lion’s head: Simhamukham
Small bell: Kangulam
Bee : Bramharam The Swan: Hamsapakshakam
4 sides square: Chatura
Swan’s bill : Hamsasyam
illustration by : ISHITA PARMAR JAN 2020 | 11
the routine - Architecture
The sacred space for the Classical dance With modern times the space is also modern but embeds the traditional roots of Kathak Dance. Such is the ethos of the Nateshwar Nritya Kala Mandir-Kathak Institute of Late Natraj Gope Krishna
F
elis imperdiet proin fermentum leo. Augue mauris augue neque gravida in fermentum. Ac orci phasellus egestas tellus rutrum tellus. Tristique sollicitudin nibh sit amet commodo nulla facilisi nullam. Consectetur adipiscing elit pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus. Blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi. Nulla facilisi nullam vehicula ipsum a arcu cursus. Convallis convallis tellus id interdum velit laoreet id. Vulputate odio ut enim blandit volutpat. Id porta nibh venenatis cras sed felis eget. Eu ultrices vitae auctor eu. Rhoncus mattis rhoncus urna neque viverra justo nec ultrices dui. Commodo viverra maecenas accumsan lacus vel facilisis. Orci porta non pulvinar neque laoreet suspendisse. Erat imperdiet sed euismod nisi porta. Id velit ut tortor pretium. Mauris cursus mattis molestie a iaculis at erat. Tincidunt vitae semper quis lectus nulla at. Tortor vitae purus faucibus ornare suspendisse sed nisi lacus. Tortor aliquam nulla facilisi cras. Maecenas volutpat blandit aliquam etiam erat velit. Vel pretium lectus quam id leo in vitae. Aliquam ultrices sagittis orci a scelerisque purus semper eget duis. Sodales ut etiam sit amet nisl purus in. Sollicitudin tempor id eu nisl nunc mi ipsum faucibus vitae. Duis convallis convallis tellus id interdum velit. Nibh sit amet commodo nulla. Sem viverra aliquet eget sit. Odio tempor orci dapibus ultrices in iaculis. Hendrerit dolor magna eget est lorem ipsum dolor.
rhythmos | KATHAK
Venenatis a condimentum vitae sapien pellentesque habitant morbi. Venenatis tellus in metus vulputate eu. Tellus molestie nunc non blandit massa. Malesuada proin libero nunc consequat interdum varius sit amet mattis. Malesuada fames ac turpis egestas sed. Urna cursus eget nunc scelerisque viverra mauris. Diam quam nulla porttitor massa. Semper quis lectus nulla at. Velit aliquet sagittis id consectetur purus ut faucibus pulvinar elementum. Blandit aliquam etiam erat velit scelerisque in dictum non consectetur. Volutpat blandit aliquam etiam erat velit scelerisque in dictum. Iaculis urna id volutpat lacus laoreet. Nec feugiat in fermentum posuere urna nec. In dictum non consectetur a erat nam at lectus. Volutpat ac tincidunt vitae semper quis lectus nulla at volutpat. Vestibulum mattis ullamcorper velit sed ullamcorper morbi tincidunt. Amet facilisis magna etiam tempor orci eu. Laoreet suspendisse interdum consectetur libero id faucibus nisl. Dictum sit amet justo donec enim diam. Posuere ac ut consequat semper. Venenatis lectus magna fringilla urna porttitor rhoncus. Cras pulvinar mattis nunc sed blandit. Varius quam quisque id diam. Sed elementum tempus egestas sed sed risus. Vulputate mi sit amet mauris commodo quis. Tortor id aliquet lectus proin nibh nisl condimentum id venenatis. Nec feugiat nisl pretium fusce id velit ut tortor pretium. Eleifend mi in nulla posuere sollicitudin aliquam ultrices sagittis.
the routine - Architecture
The synergy of the studios contribute immensely to the entire process of the dancer and developing a relationship with the space itself.
image source: CREATIVE COMMONS JAN 2020 | 13
the routine - Practice to Perfromance
FEATURING MITALI SONAR // SHINJINI KULKARNI // PANDIT. RAJENDRA GANGANI // PANDIT. BIRJU MAHARAJ JI rhythmos | KATHAK
From practice to performance Somewhere between a perfomance and practice sessions these dancer find their true strength.
JAN 2020 | 15
the routine - Practice to Perfromance
ri-ya-az p r a c t i c e
The Angika Anhinaya or symbolic gesture for a performance by Mitali Sonar. Dancers practice more than they perform to create that moment of perfection during a perfromace which lasts only for a few seconds. MITALI SONAR talks about how practice is part of her daily routine with functional exercise, yoga and stretching.
photo credit: MITALI SONAR rhythmos | KATHAK
JAN 2020 | 17
the routine - Practice to Perfromance
ri-ya-az c h a r a c t e r
Carrying the family tradition, when she is not dancing she is involved in historic stories about mythology and society. Shinjini Kulkarni for the New York Kathak Festival 2020
image source: CREATIVE COMMONS rhythmos | KATHAK
JAN 2020 | 19
the routine - Practice to Perfromance
ri-ya-az hig h
spir i t
Pt. Rajendra stands out for his style; making use of his excellent blend of manly grace and delicacy, dramatic performances and an accomplished singer and tabla-player as well. Said the guru today, “The blend is limited to rhythm and footwork. The basic character of each dance form has to be preserved.
photo credit: PT. RAJENDRA GANGANI rhythmos | KATHAK
JAN 2020 | 21
the routine - Practice to Perfromance
ri-ya-az p r e c i s i o n
Pandit Birju Maharaj is also a noted film personality. In the movie ‘Shatranj Ke Khilari’, directed by the famous Satyajit Ray, Birju Maharaj had composed two dance sequences for which he had lent his voice as well. In the 2002 film ‘Devdas’, Birju had choreographed the song ‘Kaahe Chhed Mohe.’
image source: CREATIVE COMMONS rhythmos | KATHAK
JAN 2020 | 23
rhythmos | KATHAK
The Artist’s journey A story about the passion for dance and the will to pursue it as a career at the tender age of 16. by RYAN PELL photo credits : NAYANTARA PARPIA
A woman with deep roots that trace her lineage of the Lucknow gharana, branching out to share her knowledge and gifts with her students, and embracing her art by ever growing, and nurturing her skills through dedication and commitment to her dance. Presenting the next artist feature...
NAYANTARA PARPIA JAN 2020 | 25
the artist - Nayantara Parpia
N
ayantara ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut porttitor leo a diam sollicitudin. Feugiat vivamus at augue eget arcu. Lorem dolor sed viverra ipsum nunc aliquet. Tortor dignissim convallis aenean et tortor at risus viverra. Scelerisque fermentum dui faucibus in. At in tellus integer feugiat scelerisque. Ut consequat semper viverra nam libero justo laoreet. Ut morbi tincidunt augue interdum. Augue ut lectus arcu bibendum at varius vel. Ornare quam viverra orci sagittis eu volutpat odio. Gravida cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis. Amet mauris commodo quis imperdiet massa tincidunt nunc pulvinar sapien. At quis risus sed vulputate odio ut enim blandit. Donec ac odio tempor orci dapibus ultrices. Cras tincidunt lobortis feugiat vivamus at augue eget arcu dictum. Risus sed vulputate odio ut enim blandit volutpat. Nam aliquam sem et tortor. Lacus vel facilisis volutpat est velit egestas dui id ornare.Fames ac turpis egestas maecenas pharetra convallis posuere. Urna cursus eget nunc scelerisque viverra. Ut tristique et egestas quis ipsum suspendisse ultrices gravida. Scelerisque fermentum dui faucibus in. Viverra accumsan in nisl nisi scelerisque eu ultrices vitae. Cras ornare arcu dui vivamus arcu felis bibendum ut tristique. Netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas sed tempus urna. Nulla facilisi morbi tempus iaculis urna id volutpat. Faucibus pulvinar elementum integer enim neque volutpat. Massa tincidunt dui ut ornare lectus. Varius vel pharetra vel turpis nunc eget lorem. Vel eros donec ac odio tempor orci dapibus ultrices in. Sed viverra ipsum nunc aliquet bibendum enim facilisis. Viverra nam libero justo laoreet sit amet cursus. Gravida quis blandit turpis cursus in hac. Nunc scelerisque viverra mauris in aliquam sem fringilla. Vel eros donec ac odio tempor orci dapibus ultrices in. Sed viverra ipsum nunc aliquet bibendum enim facilisis. Viverra nam libero justo laoreet sit amet cursus. Vel eros donec ac odio tempor orci dapibus ultrices in. Sed viverra ipsum nunc aliquet bibendum enim facilisis. Viverra nam libero justo laoreet sit amet cursus. Vel eros donec ac odio tempor orci dapibus ultrices in. rhythmos | KATHAK
Tincidunt id aliquet risus feugiat in ante metus dictum. Diam quis enim lobortis scelerisque. Sem integer vitae justo eget magna fermentum iaculis eu. Sit amet tellus cras adipiscing. Luctus venenatis lectus magna fringilla urna porttitor rhoncus dolor. Ultrices mi tempus imperdiet nulla malesuada pellentesque elit eget. Aliquam faucibus purus in massa tempor. Nulla porttitor massa id neque. Elementum facilisis leo vel fringilla est ullamcorper eget nulla facilisi. Elementum integer enim neque volutpat ac. Suscipit adipiscing bibendum est ultricies integer quis auctor elit. Cursus metus aliquam eleifend mi in nulla posuere. Cursus metus aliquam eleifend mi in. Sollicitudin ac orci phasellus egestas tellus. In ante metus dictum at tempor. Aenean et tortor at risus viverra adipiscing at in tellus. In aliquam sem fringilla ut morbi tincidunt. Sem fringilla ut morbi tincidunt augue interdum velit euismod. Enim nec dui nunc mattis. Sed sed risus pretium quam. Odio morbi quis commodo odio aenean sed adipiscing. Amet mattis vulputate enim nulla aliquet porttitor lacus luctus accumsan. In ante metus dictum at tempor. Aenean et tortor at risus viverra adipiscing at in tellus. In aliquam sem fringilla ut morbi tincidunt. Sem fringilla ut morbi tincidunt augue interdum velit euismod. Et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas maecenas. Sed risus pretium quam vulputate dignissim suspendisse. Sagittis purus sit amet volutpat consequat mauris nunc. Sed viverra ipsum nunc aliquet bibendum enim facilisis. At risus viverra adipiscing at in tellus integer. At elementum eu facilisis sed odio morbi quis commodo.
Proin sed libero enim sed faucibus. Volutpat blandit aliquam etiam erat velit scelerisque in dictum non. Lorem sed risus ultricies tristique nulla. Placerat duis ultricies lacus sed. Sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu dui. Dui ut ornare lectus sit amet. Vitae sapien pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus. Ultrices eros in cursus turpis massa tincidunt dui. Volutpat odio facilisis mauris sit amet massa vitae tortor condimentum. Volutpat consequat mauris nunc congue nisi vitae suscipit. Vel eros donec ac odio tempor orci dapibus ultrices. Velit laoreet id donec ultrices tincidunt. At ultrices mi tempus imperdiet nulla malesuada pellentesque elit. Netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas integer. In tellus integer feugiat scelerisque varius morbi enim nunc. Lectus proin nibh nisl condimentum id venenatis. Nibh venenatis cras sed felis eget velit. Laoreet non curabitur gravida arcu ac tortor dignissim. Consectetur adipiscing elit ut aliquam purus sit amet luctus venenatis. Ut aliquam purus sit amet luctus venenatis lectus. Elit scelerisque mauris pellentesque pulvinar pellentesque. Egestas erat imperdiet sed euismod nisi. Ornare lectus sit amet est placerat in. Feugiat in fermentum posuere urna nec tincidunt praesent semper feugiat. Gravida cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes. Quis blandit turpis cursus in. Proin nibh nisl condimentum id venenatis a condimentum vitae sapien. Velit ut tortor pretium viverra.
How did you find your self-expression? “Often I would struggle with thoughts about self expression. Each dancer might bring their own unique flavour to even a traditional choreography, but does that satify one’s own need to truly “express” oneself?”
JAN 2020 | 27
Photo Credit: Nayantara Parpia
the artist - Nayantara Parpia
Photo Credit: Nayantara Parpia
To dance is to be out of yourself, larger, more beautiful, more powerful.
rhythmos | KATHAK
the artist - Nayantara Parpia
Netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas maecenas. Etiam sit amet nisl purus in. At augue eget arcu dictum varius duis at. Ultrices sagittis orci a scelerisque purus semper eget duis at. Vel eros donec ac odio tempor. Sed felis eget velit aliquet. Diam ut venenatis tellus in metus vulputate. Tempor orci eu lobortis elementum nibh tellus molestie. Egestas sed sed risus pretium quam vulputate dignissim suspendisse. Id porta nibh venenatis cras sed felis eget velit. Viverra suspendisse potenti nullam ac tortor. Ac tortor dignissim convallis aenean et tortor at risus viverra. Facilisi etiam dignissim diam quis enim lobortis scelerisque fermentum. Aenean pharetra magna ac placerat vestibulum lectus mauris. Vestibulum lectus mauris ultrices eros. Nunc id cursus metus aliquam eleifend mi. Arcu non odio euismod lacinia at quis risus sed. Sit amet luctus venenatis lectus magna. At augue eget arcu dictum varius duis. Vulputate sapien nec sagittis aliquam malesuada bibendum arcu. Nunc pulvinar sapien et ligula ullamcorper malesuada. Egestas dui id ornare arcu odio ut sem nulla pharetra. Adipiscing at in tellus integer. Dictumst vestibulum rhoncus est pellentesque elit ullamcorper dignissim cras tincidunt. Sed id semper risus in hendrerit gravida rutrum. Tellus mauris a diam maecenas sed enim ut. Lacus sed viverra tellus in hac habitasse platea dictumst vestibulum. Lacus vestibulum sed arcu non odio. Arcu cursus vitae congue mauris. Etiam tempor orci eu lobortis elementum nibh tellus molestie. Neque egestas congue quisque egestas. Eu feugiat pretium nibh ipsum consequat. Dictumst vestibulum rhoncus est pellentesque elit ullamcorper dignissim cras tincidunt. Sed id semper risus in hendrerit gravida rutrum. Tellus mauris a diam maecenas sed enim ut.
Nisl pretium fusce id velit ut tortor pretium viverra suspendisse. Sed risus ultricies tristique nulla aliquet enim tortor at auctor. Suspendisse interdum consectetur libero id. Pharetra massa massa ultricies mi quis hendrerit dolor magna eget. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et. Duis at consectetur lorem donec. Elementum sagittis vitae et leo duis ut diam. Elit ullamcorper dignissim cras tincidunt lobortis feugiat vivamus. Dictum sit amet justo donec enim diam vulputate ut. Fringilla est ullamcorper eget nulla facilisi etiam dignissim diam quis. Nibh sed pulvinar proin gravida hendrerit. Sodales ut etiam sit amet nisl. Dignissim enim sit amet venenatis urna cursus eget. Scelerisque purus semper eget duis at tellus at. Odio ut sem nulla pharetra diam sit amet. Feugiat in fermentum posuere urna nec tincidunt praesent. Neque gravida in fermentum et sollicitudin. Nibh mauris cursus mattis molestie. Sodales neque sodales ut etiam sit. Ut eu sem integer vitae justo eget. Elementum pulvinar etiam non quam. Eget nullam non nisi est sit amet facilisis magna etiam. Sed odio morbi quis commodo odio aenean. Aenean vel elit scelerisque mauris pellentesque pulvinar pellentesque habitant morbi. At varius vel pharetra vel turpis nunc eget lorem dolor. Aliquet nec ullamcorper sit amet. In est ante in nibh mauris cursus mattis. Velit egestas dui id ornare arcu odio ut. Nisl condimentum id venenatis a condimentum vitae sapien pellentesque habitant. Consectetur a erat nam at lectus. Mi sit amet mauris commodo quis imperdiet massa. Consectetur libero id faucibus nisl tincidunt eget nullam. Lorem sed risus ultricies tristique nulla aliquet enim tortor at.
How do you keep balance with the other thing you do? “One thing I’ve learnt about both dance and motherhood (and “life”, really)-People are going to think and say whatever they want, no matter how hard you try, so just do your best, remember to appreciate the little things in the bigger picture.”
Fringilla ut morbi tincidunt augue interdum velit euismod in pellentesque. Aliquet enim tortor at auctor urna nunc. Urna id volutpat lacus laoreet non curabitur gravida. Placerat duis ultricies lacus sed turpis tincidunt id aliquet risus. Enim nec dui nunc mattis enim. Erat pellentesque adipiscing commodo elit at imperdiet dui. Hac habitasse platea dictumst vestibulum rhoncus est pellentesque elit. Malesuada bibendum arcu vitae elementum curabitur vitae nunc sed. Eget egestas purus viverra accumsan. Quis enim lobortis scelerisque fermentum dui faucibus in ornare. Non pulvinar neque laoreet suspendisse interdum consectetur libero. Tortor aliquam nulla facilisi cras fermentum. Urna id volutpat lacus laoreet non. Egestas diam in arcu cursus euismod quis. Augue lacus viverra vitae congue eu consequat ac felis. Egestas erat imperdiet sed euismod nisi porta lorem mollis aliquam. Feugiat in fermentum posuere urna nec tincidunt. Venenatis tellus in metus vulputate eu scelerisque. Consectetur libero id faucibus nisl tincidunt. Commodo ullamcorper a lacus vestibulum sed arcu non. Neque egestas congue quisque egestas diam in. Vulputate sapien nec sagittis aliquam malesuada bibendum arcu vitae elementum. Neque ornare aenean euismod elementum nisi quis. Netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Odio euismod lacinia at quis risus. Pretium viverra suspendisse potenti nullam. Amet luctus venenatis lectus magna fringilla. Aliquam eleifend mi in nulla. Vitae nunc sed velit dignissim sodales ut eu sem integer. Volutpat commodo sed egestas egestas fringilla phasellus faucibus. Massa ultricies mi quis hendrerit. Egestas quis ipsum suspendisse ultrices. Eu lobortis elementum nibh tellus molestie nunc non. Tristique senectus et netus et. Magna sit amet purus gravida quis blandit turpis cursus. Tristique risus nec feugiat in fermentum posuere urna nec tincidunt. Eget dolor morbi non arcu risus quis varius quam quisque. Tellus elementum sagittis vitae et leo duis ut. Porttitor leo a diam sollicitudin tempor id. Leo duis ut diam quam nulla. Nunc aliquet bibendum enim facilisis gravida neque. Tempor orci eu lobortis elementum nibh tellus molestie. JAN 2020 | 29
the artist - Nayantara Parpia
A Dancer, Teacher, A homemaker and a Mother whose efforts have kept Kathak alive.
Photo Credit: Nayantara Parpia
Enim nec dui nunc mattis. Habitant morbi tristique senectus et. Phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec. Dui ut ornare lectus sit. Urna cursus eget nunc scelerisque viverra. Elit ullamcorper dignissim cras tincidunt lobortis feugiat. Risus at ultrices mi tempus imperdiet nulla malesuada pellentesque elit. Massa eget egestas purus viverra accumsan in. Sit amet aliquam id diam maecenas ultricies mi. Senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac. Non pulvinar neque laoreet suspendisse interdum consectetur libero id. Curabitur vitae nunc sed velit dignissim sodales ut. Tincidunt nunc pulvinar sapien et ligula ullamcorper. Elementum sagittis vitae et leo duis ut. Egestas egestas fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque. Varius vel pharetra vel turpis nunc eget lorem. Massa sed elementum tempus egestas sed sed risus pretium.
rhythmos | KATHAK
the artist - Nayantara Parpia
Orci porta non pulvinar neque laoreet. Quam id leo in vitae turpis massa. Sit amet mattis vulputate enim nulla aliquet porttitor lacus. Nisi est sit amet facilisis magna etiam tempor. Ac placerat vestibulum lectus mauris ultrices eros. Vitae elementum curabitur vitae nunc sed velit dignissim sodales ut. Elementum tempus egestas sed sed. Ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit. Ornare massa eget egestas purus viverra accumsan in nisl nisi. Lectus mauris ultrices eros in cursus turpis massa tincidunt. Amet cursus sit amet dictum sit amet justo donec. A scelerisque purus semper eget duis at tellus. Etiam dignissim diam quis enim lobortis scelerisque fermentum. Eget nulla facilisi etiam dignissim diam quis enim lobortis. Amet mauris commodo quis imperdiet massa tincidunt nunc pulvinar. Tristique magna sit amet purus gravida quis blandit. Ultrices neque ornare aenean euismod elementum nisi quis eleifend quam. Sed enim ut sem viverra aliquet eget sit amet tellus. Est ultricies integer quis auctor elit sed. Ac auctor augue mauris augue. Scelerisque viverra mauris in aliquam sem. Gravida in fermentum et sollicitudin ac orci. Sed adipiscing diam donec adipiscing tristique risus.Sagittis vitae et leo duis ut diam quam nulla. Felis eget nunc lobortis mattis. Mattis nunc sed blandit libero. Pharetra pharetra massa massa ultricies mi quis hendrerit dolor magna. Turpis tincidunt id aliquet risus feugiat in ante metus. Eget arcu dictum varius duis at consectetur lorem donec. In nibh mauris cursus mattis molestie a iaculis at. Quam lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere. Vitae semper quis lectus nulla at volutpat. Eget sit amet tellus cras adipiscing enim eu turpis egestas. Sapien eget mi proin sed libero enim sed faucibus. Scelerisque mauris pellentesque pulvinar pellentesque habitant. Vel quam elementum pulvinar etiam. Felis eget velit aliquet sagittis id consectetur purus. Vulputate dignissim suspendisse in est ante in nibh. Elementum nisi quis eleifend quam adipiscing. Mattis enim ut tellus elementum sagittis vitae. Euismod lacinia at quis risus sed vulputate. Ac placerat vestibulum lectus mauris ultrices eros. Vitae elementum curabitur vitae nunc sed velit dignissim sodales ut. Elementum tempus egestas sed sed.
Pellentesque pulvinar pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et. Tempus iaculis urna id volutpat lacus laoreet non. Erat imperdiet sed euismod nisi porta lorem mollis. Elementum eu facilisis sed odio morbi quis. Enim tortor at auctor urna nunc. Donec pretium vulputate sapien nec sagittis. Felis eget nunc lobortis mattis aliquam faucibus purus in massa. Massa id neque aliquam vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at. Curabitur gravida arcu ac tortor dignissim convallis aenean et. Sed risus ultricies tristique nulla. Iaculis at erat pellentesque adipiscing commodo elit at. Purus non enim praesent elementum facilisis leo vel fringilla. Odio facilisis mauris sit amet. Nulla aliquet enim tortor at auctor urna nunc id cursus. Adipiscing bibendum est ultricies integer quis auctor. Elementum pulvinar etiam non quam lacus suspendisse. Viverra nibh cras pulvinar mattis nunc. Feugiat in fermentum posuere urna nec tincidunt praesent. Morbi blandit cursus risus at ultrices mi. Et molestie ac feugiat sed lectus vestibulum mattis. Faucibus nisl tincidunt eget nullam non nisi est. Amet risus nullam eget felis eget nunc lobortis mattis aliquam. Consectetur adipiscing elit duis tristique. Cras tincidunt lobortis feugiat vivamus. Diam in arcu cursus euismod quis viverra nibh cras pulvinar. Facilisis mauris sit amet massa vitae. Nulla facilisi cras fermentum odio eu feugiat pretium nibh. Id venenatis a condimentum vitae sapien. Quam pellentesque nec nam aliquam sem et tortor. Leo a diam sollicitudin tempor id eu nisl. Scelerisque felis imperdiet proin fermentum leo vel orci. Eget mauris pharetra et ultrices. Ut faucibus pulvinar elementum integer enim neque volutpat ac. Sed enim ut sem viverra. Elit sed vulputate mi sit amet mauris. Magna etiam tempor orci eu lobortis elementum. Velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Nec nam aliquam sem et tortor. Egestas maecenas pharetra convallis posuere morbi leo urna molestie at. Semper auctor neque vitae tempus quam pellentesque nec nam aliquam. Vulputate enim nulla aliquet porttitor lacus. At varius vel pharetra vel turpis. Lorem sed risus ultricies tristique nulla aliquet. Nulla facilisi morbi tempus iaculis urna id. Enim sed faucibus turpis in. Risus nullam eget felis eget nunc lobortis.
Nisl vel pretium lectus quam id leo in vitae. Tincidunt tortor aliquam nulla facilisi cras fermentum odio eu. Tellus orci ac auctor augue mauris. Amet luctus venenatis lectus magna fringilla. Ridiculus mus mauris vitae ultricies leo integer. Amet consectetur adipiscing elit ut aliquam purus sit. Semper viverra nam libero justo laoreet sit amet cursus. In est ante in nibh mauris cursus mattis molestie. In fermentum posuere urna nec tincidunt praesent semper. Ultricies mi quis hendrerit dolor magna eget est lorem ipsum. Adipiscing elit duis tristique sollicitudin. Nulla facilisi morbi tempus iaculis urna id volutpat lacus laoreet. Ut sem nulla pharetra diam sit amet nisl suscipit. Pulvinar sapien et ligula ullamcorper malesuada. Rutrum quisque non tellus orci ac. Erat pellentesque adipiscing commodo elit at imperdiet dui accumsan. At imperdiet dui accumsan sit amet nulla facilisi morbi. Id semper risus in hendrerit gravida rutrum. Enim sed faucibus turpis in. Pellentesque id nibh tortor id. Quam vulputate dignissim suspendisse in est ante. A iaculis at erat pellentesque adipiscing commodo elit at imperdiet. Justo laoreet sit amet cursus sit. Scelerisque felis imperdiet proin fermentum leo vel. Neque volutpat ac tincidunt vitae semper quis lectus nulla. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Facilisis volutpat est velit egestas dui id. Mattis vulputate enim nulla aliquet porttitor. Dapibus ultrices in iaculis nunc sed augue lacus viverra. Fermentum posuere urna nec tincidunt praesent semper feugiat nibh sed. Augue interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat. Massa id neque aliquam vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus at. Fermentum leo vel orci porta. Commodo viverra maecenas accumsan lacus vel facilisis volutpat est velit. Diam quam nulla porttitor massa. Arcu cursus vitae congue mauris rhoncus. Malesuada pellentesque elit eget gravida cum. Elit duis tristique sollicitudin nibh sit amet commodo nulla facilisi. Ut ornare lectus sit amet. Sed vulputate mi sit amet mauris commodo. Sed enim ut sem viverra aliquet. Sed nisi lacus sed viverra tellus in hac. Volutpat odio facilisis mauris sit amet. Eget nulla facilisi etiam dignissim. Tempus iaculis urna id volutpat. Enim lobortis scelerisque fermentum dui faucibus in. JAN 2020 | 31
the artist - Attire
The Vitals
Without which Kathak is not Kathak! illustration by ISHITA PARMAR
Frock-style top
Lotus design emblamatic to floral design & nature
Belt where the bells are stringed together
Ankle Bells As Kathak is popular both in Hindu and Muslim communities the costumes of this dance form are made in line with traditions of the respective communities. Musical anklets called ghunghroo made of leather straps with small metallic bells attached to it are wrapped in her ankles that produce rhythmic sound while she performs excellent and spectacular footwork. The Kathak dance dresses for male and female dancers are usually in bright shades of orange, red or green.
rhythmos | KATHAK
Dye applied on feet & hands English translation
the artist - Attire
Anarkali
Kamal Phool
Ghunghroo Patta
Ghunghroo
Alta Traditional name
JAN 2020 | 33
Sculpturing The Kathak dance form originated from Nothern India and was very similar to Bharatnatyam dance form. In ancient India there were KATHAKARS or bards who used to recite religious or mythological tales to the accompaniment of music, mime and dance. illustration by ISHITA PARMAR
Delicacy expressions & the mood of the end pose
rhythmos | KATHAK
Drama
Speed
story-telling & mime of the Bhava
pirouette & footwork within the beats
the Moment ‘katha’ The art of story-telling
Power
Poetry
recital & dance compositions from the religious scriptures
rhythm & language of the choreography
JAN 2020 | 35
rationale This being the final prototype is way different from what I designed in part 1. In the overall sense, I think the entire prototype is more cohesive in terms of design. I amd glad that I was able to work out a majority of the design ideas in my head. A magazine envisioned to cover all the different dance forms present in the world I think I have managed to provide a new perspective by taking an Indian Classical dance form and create a prototype which is modern and refreshing through thoughful design. I think the illustrations and the image selection are the major strengths of my prototype. They have been used in contrast to one another, as in the illustrations what I am trying to highlight is the body movements and the postures while the images focus on expressions and the setting within which the dancer performs. The typography which is a combination of a Serif & San serif typeface of Playfair Dsiplay and Interstate, worked out well to exhibit the graceful and delicate aspects of dance into eye-catching typography. Prior to this class, I only would see the application of grid in 3d volume and 2d plans (being an architect) but now I realize that the grid is the most important tool for any form of design. The interplay among the elements could only be possible by the grid, thus in the beginnning I made sure the grid was what I wished for based on the content I was going to present. A weak aspect of the magazine I believe could be my photo selection. I did find a lot of trouble is acquiring good photos, many of the artists were generous enough to offer their photos but there were some that I had to source out myself. And there were times when I had to rethink on the content as well because finding images for that particulat topic/theme became difficult. Having said that, the process has challenged me not just through design but in the narrative/story-telling aspect as well.
rhythmos | KATHAK
The 5 things I learned through this course are: 1. GRID & GUIDELINES: The grid and the basic gudielines you create is your foundation. They are emblamatic to the design ideas and decisions you take. Thus, I am glad I spent a few sessions working on the grid and in the end it actually paid off , I could see an increase in my capacity to work out different ideas and decide what works better. 2. CONTENT: I guess, I took a challenging topic such as KATHAK, since not much has been documented about it. It has only been in the recent times that artists and dancers became aware of the documentation. Thus, I think if I would have take a more global dance form such as Flamenco or Salsa or Ballet, it would have been easier for me to get images and more stories to cover. But this prototype is as a tribute to my insitute back home so that some day hoepfully I can make a publication for them. So I guess it worked out as a challenge for me, and in the future I am more aware. 3. PHOTO SELECTION: As mentioned earlier I did have a hard time getting good and clear images. I was lucky since most of them have a black background and that allowed me to have an interesting play of typography with the images. 4. COLOUR & COLOUR PALATTE: The color palattes developed organically with the images and I resoted to a warm colour scheme with the use of pastels hues to maintain a minimal asthetic. It was interesting to discover the role of the colors in attaining a certain kind of modern and simple aesthetic. 5. REASON: This is the most imporatnt lesson I have learned, to reason out every design move I make. With reason it just gets easier to conclude with your design ideas and makes the process a whole lot interesting.
JAN 2020 | 37