Major taals

In Kathak, taal refers to the rhythmic cycle or beat structure that is used as the basis for the dance. The taal is indicated by the accompanying music and is typically divided into a specific number of beats.

Some common taals used in Kathak are:

Teen Taal: This taal has 16 beats, which are divided into four groups of four beats each. It is the most widely used taal in Kathak and is suitable for both fast and slow tempos.

Ek Taal: This taal has 12 beats, which are divided into three groups of four beats each. It is often used for fast-paced, energetic dance pieces.

Jhaptaal: This taal has 10 beats, which are divided into two groups of five beats each. It is typically used for slower, more expressive dance pieces.

Dadra: This taal has 6 beats, which are divided into three groups of two beats each. It is often used for light, romantic dance pieces.

It is important for Kathak dancers to be able to identify and keep track of the taal as they dance, as the footwork and hand gestures are often based on the beat structure of the taal.