Hastak is sanskrit for ‘hand movements’. Dancers must exhibit delicacy and grace, while executing the various movements. The most important rule is ‘Where the hand goes, the eyes go’.
Chakkars are the most distinctive feature of kathak. There are several types of spins which are classified depending on the number of steps it takes to finish one turn.
Todas are small dance compositions combining footwork, hastak and chakkars. Basic todas can be classified based on the types of chakkars used. Learn how to perform the five step series.