Kathak Prarambhik - A Comprehensive Course for Beginners

The highlights of this course include -

Introduction to Kathak Dance - You will be introduced to Kathak as one of the eight classical dance forms of India. And learn in depth about its rich cultural roots and unique blend of rhythm, grace, and storytelling. Beginners gain clarity on what makes Kathak distinctive and how it connects movement with music and narrative.

History and Evolution of Kathak - You will explore Kathak’s journey from temple storytelling to royal courts and finally modern stages. It is essential to know about this to get a cultural context, showing how Kathak reflects Indian society, spirituality, and aesthetics across time.

Importance of Gharanas (Focus on Lucknow Gharana) - Learning about different Gharanas of Kathak helps students appreciate stylistic differences in technique and expression. Further, you will be educated about the Lucknow Gharana because you are being inducted into that Gharana through this course. 

Relevance of Storytelling in Kathak - Kathak originated as a medium of storytelling. By learning its narrative roots, students realize how dance becomes a form of communication. This connection fosters expressive ability and helps students connect emotionally with the pieces they perform.

Basic Technique and Rhythm (Taal) - Mastering the basics of taal (rhythmic cycle) gives students a strong rhythmic foundation. They learn how movement aligns with beats, which is essential for all further learning in Kathak. This improves timing, discipline, and musical sensitivity.

Posture and Stage Presence (Naman, Uthaan) - Correct posture instills confidence and physical discipline. Through practices like naman (salutation) and uthaan (opening stance), students begin to understand how to enter, perform, and exit with grace—building stage awareness and performance etiquette from day one.

Tatkaar (Basic Footwork in Teentaal) - Tatkaar is the rhythmic footwork unique to Kathak. Learning it in Teentaal (16-beat cycle) sharpens coordination, balance, and leg strength. It also connects students directly to rhythm and lays the foundation for more complex movements.

Recitation of Bols (Syllables) - Reciting bols helps students internalize rhythmic patterns before dancing them. It trains memory, sharpens timing, and connects mind and body. This skill also enhances understanding of percussion patterns and their role in Kathak compositions.

Simple Layakari (Tempo Understanding – Slow, Medium, Fast) - By learning to perform in different tempos, students develop control, adaptability, and musicality. Understanding layakari introduces them to the dynamic nature of performance, preparing them to pace movements with clarity and precision.

Spins and Coordination (Chakkars) - Spins, or chakkars, are a signature element of Kathak. Learning single and double spins improves balance, focus (spotting), and spatial awareness. Practicing movement across the stage builds confidence and coordination.

Hand Gestures (Mudras) - Students learn both Asamyukta (single-hand) and Samyukta (double-hand) mudras. These are the building blocks of non-verbal communication in dance. Using mudras in expressive sequences enhances storytelling and enriches dance vocabulary.

Application in Storytelling - Students apply hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to simple narratives. This builds creativity and helps them experience the joy of embodying characters and emotions, making their dance more expressive and engaging.

Introduction to Abhinaya (Expression) - Abhinaya teaches students to communicate feelings through the face and body. Learning bhavas (emotions) and rasas (moods) enhances emotional intelligence and performance quality, allowing students to truly “become” the character in a piece.

Simple Narrative Pieces (e.g., Radha-Krishna Stories, Bhajans) - Students explore devotional and folk-inspired themes through expressive pieces. These stories help make abstract techniques relatable, build cultural awareness, and inspire confidence in expressing emotions through movement.

Basic Compositions - Learning compositions like Tihai (a rhythmic phrase repeated thrice to land on the beat), Tukra, and Toda introduces students to the structure of Kathak performance. These short pieces allow for practical application of footwork, spins, and rhythm.

Simple Amad - Amad is a graceful introductory piece marking the dancer’s entrance. Learning this composition develops confidence, elegance, and understanding of how to begin a performance with poise and structure.

Gharana System in Kathak - Understanding the different Kathak schools helps students identify stylistic traits and appreciate regional variations. This builds respect for lineage and prepares them for deeper exploration.

Introduction to Musical Instruments (Tabla, Harmonium, Pakhawaj) - Students learn the basics of instruments that accompany Kathak. Recognizing rhythmic cues and melodies improves musical awareness and helps dancers sync seamlessly with live or recorded music.

Role of Guru-Shishya Parampara - This sacred tradition emphasizes discipline, respect, and holistic learning. Understanding this cultural framework teaches students the value of dedication, humility, and lifelong learning in the classical arts.

About the Teacher

Bhanu Priya is a classically trained Kathak dancer with deep expertise in the Lucknow Gharana. Known for her expressive Abhinaya, precise footwork, and strong command over rhythm, she holds a Master’s degree in Kathak and is a Graded “B High” Artist of Doordarshan—recognizing her artistic excellence at the national level.

She received her training under the legendary Pt. Birju Maharaj and his senior disciples at Kala Ashram, where she absorbed the nuanced techniques of storytelling, Tatkaar, and Taal. With over a decade of teaching experience, Bhanu Priya has mentored students across all levels—from beginners to aspiring professionals.

Her performance portfolio includes national concerts, government-led initiatives, and educational institutions such as St. Xavier’s School and R.D. Rajpal Public School. She also served as a Dance Instructor under the Bihar Government.

Bhanu’s teaching combines traditional discipline with a student-centered approach. She believes classical dance nurtures not only artistic skill but also inner strength, grace, and confidence. Whether you're starting out or advancing your journey, learning from Bhanu Priya offers a meaningful and immersive experience in Kathak.