Tahhaiyur: A Celebration of Grace, Rhythm, and Reflection

Tahhaiyur brought together a community of artists, students, and mentors in a heartfelt celebration of Kathak and classical expression, where every performance told a story of learning, connection, and grace. The evening unfolded with a beautiful blend of movement, music, and verse, each performance reflecting the essence of discipline, elegance, and emotional depth.

Opening: Salam

The event commenced with a collective Salam led by Zainab Dar, the founder and guiding force behind Tahhaiyur. This opening piece, performed by the entire class, set a tone of reverence; a graceful bow to tradition, to the Guru, and to the art form itself.

Lok Naman

The class then transitioned to Lok Naman, a vibrant piece choreographed by Zainab Dar. The performance blended earthy rhythms with classical technique, symbolizing how tradition evolves when passed through generations of dancers.

Shlok

The Guru herself then took centre stage to perform a Shlok. Her graceful synchronization and nuanced gestures turned verses into visual poetry, reminding the audience of Kathak’s ability to convey both rhythm and emotion with equal intensity.

Guru Vandana

Guru Vandana, performed by senior students — Huria Tariq, Sonaal Rizvi, and Fahd Zulfiqar — was a heartfelt offering to their Guru, Zainab Dar. The performance also paid homage to the lineage of gurus, serving as a reminder that every dancer carries forward the light of their teachers. It was both an invocation and a celebration of knowledge shared with humility and devotion.

Recitations and Poetry

Interspersed between dance performances were thoughtful recitations by both young and senior poets. The first recitation by Zainab and Usman Qazi, followed by poetry recited by Hussain Qazi and Rohini, set a reflective tone that complemented the rhythm of the evening. Tehreem Saadat, Shah Zalan Khan, and Ahmad Ali presented original, thought-provoking pieces. The evening concluded with senior poets, including Harris Khalique, reciting beautiful verses that brought stillness and introspection, balancing the vibrancy of movement with the quiet power of words.

Melodies that Echoed Grace

The evening grew even more enchanting with soulful musical interludes. Ahsan Khan’s heartfelt tribute to the maestro Ustad Daman filled the hall with nostalgia and reverence, while a moving rendition of “Muhabbat Karnay Walay” in the latter half of the program deepened the mood of love and reflection, weaving music seamlessly into the rhythm of dance and verse.

Panch Pair Piece

The intermediate students then brought Kathak back to the stage through a piece centered on the Panch Pair ka Chakkar; a graceful spin characterized by five precise foot movements on the bols of dhig dha dhig dhig thai.
The five dancers mirrored each other’s rhythm like ripples in a stream, demonstrating not only skill but also trust, the hallmark of ensemble work in Kathak.

Kathak Ki Chaal

Kathak Ki Chaal on mishran leh, choreographed by Zainab and performed by her students, explored the many walks and stylized gaits within Kathak. Each step was a story; each turn, a gesture of identity and mood.

Hina Ki Khushboo

The next ensemble performance featured the famous geet sung by Madam Noor Jehan, Hina Ki Khushboo. The piece captured the essence of the geet through delicate gestures and fluid expressions, showcasing the trademark style of the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak.

Thumri

Zainab’s solo Thumri was among the evening’s highlights. Her expressive abhinaya, emotive storytelling, and precise footwork left the audience in awe. The Thumri was based on a stylized chaal specific to the Lucknow Gharana.

Teen Taal

The rhythm reached its peak with Natwari Tukras on Teen Taal, a classical composition performed by Zainab and her senior-most students, Sonaal Rizvi and Huria Tariq. The trio’s mastery over footwork, spins, and coordination showcased their command over this complex rhythmic cycle. Each sum was met with confidence and poise, earning resounding applause.

Chanakya – The Finale

The evening culminated with Chanakya, a captivating performance by Zainab and Sonaal that encapsulated the spirit of resilience, transformation, and grace. It served as both a conclusion and a reflection — a moment where technique met emotion, and performance transformed into poetry.

A Tribute to Mentorship and Collaboration

The Tahhaiyur event was not merely a performance but a shared journey, one shaped by the dedication of the students, the vision of their mentor, and their collective love for classical arts. Under their Guru’s guidance, each performer found their own voice within the discipline, creating an evening that resonated with sincerity and soul.