A
ghungroo is one of many small metallic bells strung together
to form ghungroos, a musical accessory tied to the feet
of classical Indian dancers. The sounds produced by ghungroos
vary greatly in pitch depending on their metallic composition
and size. Ghungroos serve to accentuate the rhythmic aspects
of the dance and allow complex footwork to be heard by the
audience. They are worn immediately above the ankle, resting
on the lateral malleolus and medial malleolus. A string
of ghungroos can range from 50 to greater than 200 bells
knotted together. A novice child dancer may start with 50
and slowly add more as she grows older and advances in her
technical ability. Ghungroos are worn in traditional performances
of the classical Indian dance forms: bharatnatyam, kuchipudi,
odissi, and kathak. |