Intermediate Kathak Classes - Master Your Footwork, Rhythm & Storytelling

The highlights of the course include -

Building on Your Foundation - In the intermediate course, you grow from everything you learned in the beginner’s stage. The early sessions gently revisit basic footwork, spins, and simple compositions to refresh your foundation. Once you feel steady and confident, you move forward into more detailed practice, exploring the finer layers of Kathak. Beginners who have just transitioned will receive extra guidance to solidify their base, while those with prior experience will move quickly into advanced material.

Exploring Advanced Bol Compositions - This stage is where your rhythm skills truly expand. You will be introduced to intricate bol compositions such as Shuddha Amad, Paran Judi Amad, Paran, and Chakradhar bols. These rhythmic phrases challenge you to maintain clarity, speed, and precision while dancing. If you are new to these patterns, you will start slowly, focusing on clear pronunciation and steady rhythm. More experienced learners will be encouraged to practice faster, explore variations, and build stamina in long sequences.

Expressive Techniques and Storytelling - Kathak is not only about rhythm; it is also about telling stories with grace and emotion. In this module, you will explore expressive forms like Thaat, which teaches elegance and poise; Vandana, where you connect movement with devotion; and Gat Nikas, which introduces you to storytelling through graceful walks and gestures. For students who are still shy about expression, the sessions will move gently, focusing on natural body language. For those who enjoy storytelling, the training will encourage deeper abhinaya and more detailed interpretation.

Rhythmic Variations and Taal Mastery - Rhythm lies at the heart of Kathak, and in this course, you will step beyond Teentaal to explore Jhaptaal and Ektaal. Each taal has its own cycle, mood, and feel, and learning them will sharpen your timing and deepen your musicality. Students who need more time will first strengthen their practice in Teentaal before moving into other taals. Learners who are ready for more complexity will be guided to try compositions in multiple taals and even experiment with speed variations.

Integration and Performance Readiness - As your skills grow, you will begin to combine bol compositions, expressive movements, and rhythmic variations into complete sequences. The focus here is on performance readiness—developing confidence, stage presence, and the ability to flow from rhythm to expression seamlessly. Beginners in the intermediate level may present shorter pieces with teacher support, while advanced learners may work on longer choreographies to polish their performance quality.

How the Course is Personalized for You

Every student comes with different strengths, challenges, and learning goals. This course adapts to your pace, energy, and comfort. If you are still strengthening your foundation, more time is spent on steady practice and clear basics. If you are experienced, the sessions move faster into complex taals, challenging footwork, and expressive pieces. Teenagers and young adults are given high-energy drills and advanced sequences to match their enthusiasm, while working professionals and senior learners experience a more relaxed pace with focus on enjoyment, clarity, and graceful expression. At every step, you receive one-on-one feedback, corrections, and practice assignments tailored just for you.

By the end of this course, you will not only have mastered advanced compositions and new taals, but you will also feel confident expressing stories, performing sequences, and dancing with greater depth, clarity, and elegance.

About the Teacher

Vidushi Sangita Chaki, a Dishari Awardee and Gold Medalist in classical dance, is one of North Bengal’s most respected exponents of Indian classical dance. Sangita’s artistic journey has been shaped by rigorous training under eminent Gurus—she studied Kathak with Shri Runu Bhattacharya, Pandit Vijai Shankar, and Smt. Molly Roy, and pursued Bharatanatyam under Shri Shukhendu Barua, Smt. Anita Mallick, and currently trains with Guru Praveen Kumar. She is also pursuing the Marga Nritta Karanas under Ms. Vithya Arasu, deepening her knowledge of the classical tradition.

As a performer, Sangita has graced prestigious festivals such as Chaumasa (Odisha), the North East Classical Festival (Bongaigaon), and Guru Govindam Kutty Festival with appearances at iconic venues including Rabindra Sadan and Mahajati Sadan. Her creative excellence extends to choreography, most notably leading a grand production for the Silver Jubilee of Sarbabharatiya Sangeet O Sanskriti Parishad, featuring 100 dancers on stage.

In addition to performance, Sangita has contributed significantly to dance education and cultural exchange. She has served as guest faculty at Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma University, is an executive member of Sarbabharatiya Sangeet O Sanskriti Parishad, and convenes the North Bengal unit of the India International Dance Festival (IIDF). Many of her students have earned national-level scholarships, carrying forward her legacy of excellence.

Her contributions to art and culture have been widely recognized. She received the Distinguished Personality Award from SIT in 2024, and has been honored by the Indian Institute of Legal Studies, Radio Misty, and IDFAC, among others, for her outstanding role in promoting classical dance and cultural heritage.