Gati in Theory and Practice
by Dr. Sujatha Mohan | 2015 | 88,445 words
This page relates ‘Gati in folk forms’ of the study on the Theory and Practice of Gati (“gait”) which refers to the “movement of a character on the stage”, commonly employed (as a Sanskrit technical term) in ancient Indian Theatrics and the Dramatic arts, also known as Natya-shastra. This thesis explores the history and evolution of Gati and also investigates how the various Gatis are employed in regional performance traditions.
Gati in folk forms
[Full title: Deśī forms of Karnataka (2): Gati in folk forms]
Kolāṭa is a folk dance form popular in Karnataka, which has many varieties such as jaḍe kolāṭa and gajje kolāṭa. These forms are examples of union of music and dance. The rhythm of the sticks and the steps go together with the music or song. The dancers bend, jump, leap, and move around energetically to perform a variety of movements and patterns. There are many cārīs like urdhvajānu, bhramarī, jānubhramari, etc. performed in these kolāṭa varieties, known as baggolu (bend and beat), beṅgolu (lie down and beat), suṭgolu (take round and beat), geelgolu (kneel down and beat), harakaḍḍi (jump and beat), and ontakaḍḍi (beating with one stick).[1]
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Indian Art History Congress, p.75,76.