Two powerhouse genres of dance and music, two gifted
experimental artistes and musicians come together with Kathak Exponent Aditi
Bhagwat and Flamenco Artist Bettina Castaño explore the
timeless connection between the two dance forms.
The stark similarities between the Indian classical dance form Kathak
and Flamenco, a form associated with the gypsies from the South of
Spain, echo a shared deep rooted history. The origin of Spanish Flamenco can be
traced back to the nomadic gypsies of Rajasthan and one of the three
predominant schools of Kathak is the Jaipur Gharana to which Aditi belongs.
Accompanying them are Shruti Bhave on Vocals and
Violin; Swapnil Bhise on Tabla and Emmanuel Simon on Percussion
to create a cross-disciplinary dialogue that transcends cultural boundaries and
language barriers making the evening a multi-dimensional melange of arts.
Join us for an avant garde performance that captures
the essence of two vivid cultures in an unforgettable evening!
Jaipur Gharana Kathak
The Jaipur Gharana of Kathak is known for its
unique style and emphasis on the Veer Ras.
This dance form incorporates strong and swift movements that captivate the
audience. It was conceived by Bhanu ji Maharaj, a renowned Kathak exponent. He
learned the intricacies of Shiv Tandav from a saint, which greatly influenced
his choreography. Bhanu ji Maharaj dedicated his life to preserving and passing
on the cultural traditions through Kathak. The legacy of the Jaipur Gharana has
been continued by subsequent generations, including Bhanu ji's grandson. This
lineage has contributed to the evolution and refinement of Kathak. One notable
aspect is the inclusion of Lasya, which represents Shrungar Ras or romantic
sentiment in dance performances. With the help of initiatives like Gunijan
Khana during the Rajput rule, brilliant artists like Navratanas (nine gems)
entertained kings with their exceptional talents. These rulers played a crucial
role in promoting and patronizing Kathak in the regions of Rajasthan, which
eventually led to its popularity. In terms of gender representation, while
traditionally Kathak was dominated by male performers in the Gharana, there has
been an increasing trend towards women excelling in this art form as well.
What is Flamenco?
Flamenco is a captivating art form that
encompasses various elements such as songs, dances, and instrumental music.
Originating from the southern region of Spain, it has deep roots in the
folkloric musical traditions of the Roma people. Specifically, Flamenco is
strongly associated with the Spanish regions of Andalusia, Extremadura, and
Murcia.
Elements
of Flamenco
The primary elements that form Flamenco are known
as "Cante" (singing), "Toque" (guitar playing),
"Baile" (dance), "Jaleo" (singing and choruses),
"Palmas" (hand clapping), and "Pitos" (finger snapping).
Each element contributes to the rich tapestry of this expressive art form.
Cante, or singing, is a central component of Flamenco, showcasing powerful
vocals filled with raw emotions and often telling stories of love, pain, and
longing. Toque refers to the intricate guitar playing that accompanies the
singing and dancing. The guitar serves as both a melodic instrument and a
rhythmic foundation for other performers.
Baile, or dance, is another integral aspect of
Flamenco. Dancers skillfully interpret the music through their movements,
expressing intense emotions through precise footwork and graceful hand
gestures. Jaleo involves singing in support of the main vocalist and choruses
that add depth to the overall performance. In addition to these vocal and dance
elements, Flamenco incorporates rhythmic accompaniment provided by Palmas (hand
clapping) and Pitos (finger snapping). Palmas create intricate rhythms by
clapping hands together in various patterns, while Pitos add percussive accents
using finger snaps.
Historical Indian Connection with Flamenco
There
is a popular belief that Flamenco was inspired by the music of India, brought
by members of the gypsy culture to the European continent. Some historical
references cite the migration of the Roma people to southern Spain from the
states of Rajasthan in India between the 9th and 14th centuries. These
communities brought with them a large repertoire of songs, dances, and musical
instruments, including tambourines, bells, and wooden castanets. Over the
years, the folkloric musical traditions from India merged with the music of the
Sephardic Jews and the Moors, resulting in the modern-day Flamenco. However,
some popular stories also suggest the prior existence of Flamenco in Andalusia
before the Roma arrived from India.