KathakKathak is the Hindustani name for one of the eight major forms of Indian classical dance. The origin of Kathak is traditionally attributed to the traveling bards of ancient northern India known as Kathakars or storytellers. The term Kathak is derived from the Vedic Sanskrit word Katha which means "story", and Kathakar which means "the one who tells a story", or "to do with stories". Wandering Kathakars communicated stories from the great epics and ancient mythology through dance, songs and music in a manner similar to early Greek theatre.
Kathak as a performance art has survived and thrived as an oral tradition, innovated and taught and from one generation to another verbally and through practice. It transitioned, adapted and integrated the tastes of the Mughal courts in the 16th and 17th century. Stylistically, the Kathak dance form emphasizes rhythmic foot movements, adorned with small bells (Ghungroo), and the movement harmonized to the music. The legs and torso are generally straight, and the story is told through a developed vocabulary based on the gestures of arms and upper body movement, facial expressions, stage movements, bends and turns. The main focus of the dance becomes the eyes and the foot movements. The eyes work as a medium of communication of the story the dancer is trying to communicate. With the eyebrows the dancer gives various facial expressions. The difference between the sub-traditions is the relative emphasis between acting versus footwork, with Lucknow style emphasizing acting and Jaipur style famed for its spectacular footwork. *Text from Wikipedia |
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Classes
The material from both the Jaipur and Lucknow Gharanas will be taught in the class. Also, both the rhythmic and expressive aspects of Kathak will be equally emphasized.
Beginner (Level 1)
The basic Tatkar (footwork), movements, and chakkars (pirouettes) of Kathak will be introduced in this class. The students will also learn the technical aspects of Kathak such as That, Aamad, Sada Tukdas, Natwari Tukdas, Gat, and Baant in Teental (a rhythmic cycle of 16 beats).
Beginner II (Level 2-4)
Several sequences utilizing the different kinds of chakkars and tatkar will be taught at this level. In addition to the above, students will also be taught a Vandana designed for the beginner class.
Intermediate (Level 5-7)
Students will continue practicing their essential movements and will build on their repertoire by learning Chalan, That, Aamad, Tukdas, Paran, Chakkardar Tukdas, Gat, Gat-Bhav, and Paltas in Tal Teental. Students will also be introduced to Tal Jhaptal, a rhythmic cycle of 10 beats. In addition to the above, Jatis, and Guns will be taught, in order to build a good rhythmic foundation.
Beginner (Level 1)
The basic Tatkar (footwork), movements, and chakkars (pirouettes) of Kathak will be introduced in this class. The students will also learn the technical aspects of Kathak such as That, Aamad, Sada Tukdas, Natwari Tukdas, Gat, and Baant in Teental (a rhythmic cycle of 16 beats).
Beginner II (Level 2-4)
Several sequences utilizing the different kinds of chakkars and tatkar will be taught at this level. In addition to the above, students will also be taught a Vandana designed for the beginner class.
Intermediate (Level 5-7)
Students will continue practicing their essential movements and will build on their repertoire by learning Chalan, That, Aamad, Tukdas, Paran, Chakkardar Tukdas, Gat, Gat-Bhav, and Paltas in Tal Teental. Students will also be introduced to Tal Jhaptal, a rhythmic cycle of 10 beats. In addition to the above, Jatis, and Guns will be taught, in order to build a good rhythmic foundation.