Kathak Dancing Classes for Beginners | Level II

In this level two 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 Prarambhik, 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: 

Guru Vandana: The students express their gratitude towards the teacher or Guru.

Stuti: The students express their gratitude to the Gods and Goddesses. It includes Saraswati Stuti and Natraj Stuti.

Angshuddhi: Purification or perfection of body parts.

Chaal: Foot positions and footwork like Taran, Palta, Parshwa Chalan, Sammukh Chalan, Pashchad Chalan, etc. 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. It includes Hastachakra – the different circular movements of hands

Bhramari: The spins, circles or turns named Sada Chakkar, Pawan Chakkar, Jal Chakkar, Ardha Chakkar etc

Taal Parichay: Meaning and definitions of Taal – to write and to recite the Theka and footwork of following Taals (Teentaal, Jhap taal) 

Bole: The syllables of dance

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

Namaskaar / Rangmanch ka Tukra: To greet or salute with respect and humility

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

Toda: the rhythmic compositions in different Laya, it includes Sada Toda, Primlu Toda, Chakkardar Toda.

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. It includes Damdar Tihai and Bedamdar Tihai.

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

Gat Nikas: Dancing in a particular posture of kathak with chaal (walk).It includes Anchita-Kunchita (expand and compress), Bansuri (flute), Drishti (look).

Asamyukta Hastamudra: The single hand gesture used for communication.

Musical instruments used in Kathak

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.