Nritta Katha School of Kathak Dance

In this class designed for adults, students mainly focus building a strong foundation of technique and understanding the basic elements of the dance form. The concepts students are acquainted with include footwork patterns (tatkar), hand gestures (mudras), facial expressions (abhinaya), and spins ( chakkars). Students also learn about the importance of rhythm and timing, and how to synchronize their movements with the accompanying music or tabla beats. In addition, adult beginners are introduced to more complex compositions and improvisation techniques, as well as the basic written theory or notation required to mark routines such as tihayees and tukdas. Through consistent practice, students develop a deeper understanding of the art form and the ability to express themselves with elegance and precision.

In this class designed for the ability and agility of children, students are taught about the vigor of a classical art and its physical and cognitive benefits. Students are introduced to basic footwork patterns (tatkar), hand gestures (mudras), basic facial expressions (abhinaya), and spins (chakkars). Students also learn about the importance of rhythm and timing, and how to synchronize their movements with the accompanying music or tabla beats. Through these foundational concepts, children develop a strong sense of rhythm, coordination, balance, and expression, which form the basis of their future kathak dance training.

In this introductory class, the teacher aims to create passion in the young students for Kathak’s captivating blend of rhythm and grace. The class is tailored to ignite a lifelong love for Kathak, which makes the study of this classical dance a delightful experience for these young learners, not as a task or a chore their parents want them to undertake. Through these classes, students will be encouraged to become lifelong students and devotees of this art form, a primary objective for ay guru. In the introductory stage, Parichay, the involvement of parents in practice and assignments will be vital.