Kathak Dancing Classes for Beginners | Level I

In this level one beginner Kathak course that will span for over 24 weeks, the enrolled beginner students would work on those aspects of Kathak that will include rhythmic footwork, use of hand gestures, and understanding body postures. As a part of this course, the students would also be given an introduction to “Natya” so that they can be aware of what to expect from further study of the art. Also known as Praveshika, this course will be held once a week for a duration of 40 mins and here's what the students will be learning out of it: 

Bhumi Pranam: it is described to ask permission from the Earth before dancing. This is a bow to mother earth

Natyakram Shloka: Through this Shloka the students can understand the coordination of Eyes-Hands-Body and Mind by which the beauty of dance is adorned

Guru Stuti: The students express their gratitude towards the teacher or Guru

Angshuddhi: Purification or perfection of body parts

Pada Bikshep: Foot positions and foot works through Flat feet, Toes, Heels, and Soles

Hastak: it shows how to use both hands and legs movements together. This will be extremely useful to progress in this course

Bhramari: The spins, circles, or turns

Taal Parichay: Meaning and definitions of Taal – to write and to recite the Theka and foot work of following Taals (Teentaal, Dadra Taal, Keherwa Taal)

Taal Lipi: Symbols and definitions to write and show the THEKA of Taals (Sam, Taali, Khali, Vibhag, Matra, Aavartan, Theka, Taal, Laya)

Bole: The syllables of dance

Thaat: the stylized moves ended with a statuesque pose which is performed at the starting of Kathak

Namaskaar: To greet or salute with respect and humility

Aamad: Means to entre into the stage, it’s also called Rangmach Pravesh

Toda: the rhymic compositions in different Laya

Kavit: The poetic compositions with body movements and gestures to decode the meaning of the poetry

Tihai: It is a polyrhythmic technique to conclude a piece of bole

Tatkaar: This means footwork which is the abstract, fast and rhythmic aspect of Kathak which requires vigorous practices

About the instructor: Anindita Mukherjee Basu has more than 40 years of experience in the field of Kathak as a confident dancer, teacher, and choreographer. She is a dedicated teacher, an energetic dancer, and an innovative choreographer with deep theoretical knowledge of Kathak dance and Music. She has received training in Kathak from dance veterans like Pandit Shree Sandip Dev, Guru Smt. Jayanti Mukherjee, Guru Smt. Manjulika Roy Chowdhury, Guru Smt. Bela Arnab, Guru Smt. Rubi Bandopadhyay, Dr. Malabika Mitra, and in Rabindra Nritya from Guru Smt. Rajrupa Deb. Anindita has won many awards and accolades, some of which include the national scholarship in Kathak by CCRT (Centre for Cultural Resources and Training in 1985. She has a renowned background at work as she has worked as an artist of Doordarshan Kendra Kolkata since 1984, has been an examiner of Sarba Bharatiya Sangeet -O- Sanskriti Parishad and is currently running DEVDHWANI – A Professional Dance School at Ghaziabad and Kolkata.