Sollukattu

Tamil

The spoken rhythmic syllables dancers move to.

RhythmBharatanatyam

Meaning

Sollukattu are the vocalised drum syllables — tha, thai, thom, dhit, tham and their combinations — that dancers learn movement against. They are recited by the nattuvanar in performance and are how rhythm is taught, memorised and transmitted long before it is danced.

Also written: solkattu, sollukattus

Related words

AdavuThe basic unit of Bharatanatyam movement — its alphabet.JathiA passage of pure rhythmic dance.NattuvangamConducting the recital with cymbals and spoken syllables.TihaiA phrase repeated three times to land on the first beat.TalaThe rhythmic cycle a piece is set in.KorvaiA rhythmic composition, usually stated three times.

Know this differently, or know it better? Traditions vary and we would rather be corrected — tell us.

Connect. Learn. Celebrate.