Learn Basics of Kathak Online

The highlights of the course include -

1. Body Awareness & Conditioning - You will begin your Kathak journey with light warm-ups, stretching, and flexibility drills to prepare your body for dance. These exercises help build stamina, balance, and alignment, while also introducing breath awareness and relaxation techniques.
2. Posture & Coordination - In this module, you will learn to hold your body with the grace and poise that Kathak demands, aligning your torso, hands, and legs correctly. You will also practice coordination between the upper and lower body along with simple hand gestures, or mudras.
3. Basics of Kathak Techniques - Here, you will explore the essential elements of Kathak, starting with footwork or tatkaar, followed by basic spins, known as chakkars, and gradually linking hand movements with steps.
4. Learning Basic Compositions - This stage introduces you to Kathak compositions, beginning with Tukde, Tore, and Tihai, and moving on to Kavitt, where rhythmic poetry meets storytelling. Beginners will spend more time mastering the simpler patterns before progressing, while experienced learners will explore how to layer multiple compositions together. Younger learners may be encouraged to try faster rhythmic patterns to match their energy, while seniors will approach compositions at a gentler pace, focusing more on clarity than speed.
5. Introduction to Rhythm (Taal) - At the heart of Kathak lies rhythm, and in this module you will dive into Teentaal, the sixteen-beat cycle. You will practice keeping time through clapping, waving, and counting before integrating your footwork within the taal.
6. Voice, Rhythm & Expression - Kathak is not only about movement but also about rhythm and expression. In this module, you will learn to recite bols with clarity, connect them with rhythm, and begin exploring abhinaya, or expressive storytelling.
7. Integration & Performance Basics - The final module brings together everything you have learned. You will combine posture, footwork, spins, compositions, and expression into short sequences, while also learning how to present yourself with confidence on stage.

Every student learns Kathak differently, and this course is designed to adapt to your pace and goals. Beginners spend more time on body conditioning and rhythm basics, while experienced dancers move quickly into compositions, taal, and expression. Teenagers and young adults enjoy energetic drills and challenging footwork, while working professionals and seniors practice at a gentler, more comfortable pace. At every stage, you’ll receive one-on-one feedback, practice corrections, and tailored assignments to make your Kathak journey accessible, enjoyable, and deeply rewarding.

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.