thei thei | थेइ थेइ

thei thei (Devanagari: थेइ थेइ ISO15919: thei thei) are called bol (Devanagari: बोल ISO15919: bola) in Hindi.

These bol are used in Indian classical dance and can be understood as "syllables," "rhythmic syllables," "mnemonic syllables," or "spoken rhythmic phrases." They refer to the vocalized representation of rhythmic patterns used in dance and music.

These syllables are derived from the language of percussion instruments like the tabla, mridangam, or pakhawaj.

Each bol corresponds to a specific sound produced by these instruments and helps dancers keep rhythm (tala) and execute precise footwork. Dancers recite bols to internalize the rhythm before performing it with movements.

For example, in Kathak, common bols include:

• Ta thei thei tat (Devanagari: ता थेई थेई तत् ISO15919: tā theī theī tat)
• Dha dhin dhin dha (Devanagari: धा धिन​ धिन​ धा ISO15919: dhā dhina dhina dhā )
• Tigdha dig dig thei (Devanagari: तिगधा दिग दिग थेई ISO15919: tigadhā diga diga theī)
• takita takadum thei (Devanagari: तकिता तकदुम थेई ISO15919: takitā takaduma theī)

REFERENCE

Prema Rasa Madira - The Intoxicating Bliss of Divine Love, Vol. 2, Ch. 12