Kathak is one of the most revered classical dance forms of India. It combines mathematically precision footwork and fluid hand movements with vivid expressions and mesmerising twirls. Kathak is an ancient dance art form and at Swastik Institute of Dance we respect all values associated with it. For instance, guru-shishyaparampara (teacher-student tradition) is followed at the school and ghungroos (the dancing bells) are given utmost respect.
Following the tradition does not only help the students learn the art in its original avatar but also keeps them in touch with ancient Indian traditions and culture. At Swastik, Kathak is taught to all levels of students – from beginners and intermediates to advanced dancers.
If you have never learnt Kathak, our experienced teachers can hold your hand and initiate you into it. And if you have learnt Kathak before, we can help you reach newer heights in this discipline.
A typical class starts with practice of footwork and hasthak(hand movements), then goes into todas (pieces of Kathak choreography).Theory lessons are given as much attention at Swastik. A few minutes are reserved in each class for students to write down notes relating to the todas they’ve learnt, so that they don’t forget it and can continue to learn new things in the followed classes.
From time to time, Swastik organises special workshops by renowned Kathak exponents from India, offering the students a rare opportunity to learn from the masters and purveyors of this traditional dance form. For instance, in 2017, we invited one of India’s most revered Kathak performers, Pandit Rajendra Gangani Ji (a leading practitioner of Jaipur Gharana of Kathak), to conduct an intensive week-long workshop for Swastik’s intermediate and advance Kathak students. At the end of the workshop, the students performed at Riverside Theatre, along with Pandit Gangani Ji to a packed auditorium.