Kathak coaching

Transcending its borders and receiving accolades across the globe as a storytelling dance and spiritual practice, this art form from the Northern regions of India, is distinguished by a wide range of contrasting elements: Seamless spins that release into crisp poses, intricate graceful movements that layer with cascades of rhythmic footwork and subtle facial expressions -the origins of Kathak can be found in its Sanskrit root "katha" which means "story".

Specialized & detailed instruction for students with substantial previous Kathak dance experience who want to continue refining and mastering Kathak dance in its traditional & professional form in order to advance to highly competitive & performance levels as students and performing artists.

Designed for both dancers or musicians interested in expanding their rhythmic / "taal" understanding and to increase their repertoire as well as to explore rhythmic "riyaaz" (practice) as a form of mindfulness or meditation. These coaching sessions focus on mastering verbal recitation (bol paranth) of "bols" or rhythmic syllables.

These sessions are designed for dance students who have already received a general introduction to Kathak basics and would like to level up to intermediate technique. This includes polishing your "ang" (movements), learning more rhythmically complex compositions, as well as, new "taals". In addition, leveling up your Kathak will also include improving storytelling skills. 

Take a deeper dive into the storytelling or dramatic aspect of Kathak which focuses solely on the facial expressions and graceful hand gestures to learn about the layers of metaphor and symbolism within Thumri or Ghazal poetry. Furthermore, you will learn how to artfully tell your own stories and transform characters or emotions with the change of one look or one gesture!

Integrating the three universal elements of dance, Ang (grace), Taal (rhythm), and Abhinaya (expression), Kathak coaching offers the opportunity to learn one or more unique solo or group choreographies in either the traditional Kathak styles such as Taranas, Thumri, Ghazals, etc. OR in fusion styles such as Kathak Bollywood or Contemporary dance pieces.