Kathak is one amongst the seven classical dance forms in India. Kathak, the word itself means storytelling; it is the dance form in which the artist tells the story through song, music along with movements of hands and facial expressions. This dance form is originally created to tell mythological stories in temples, in the Northern states of India. During the 18th century kathak was practiced in the courts of Mugal emperors and rulers. It was during this time that Kathak imbibed Persian and Arabian cultures and became more sophisticated and complex. It is the only dance form which has incorporated the values and traditions of both Hindu and Muslim cultures and also uses Urdu poetry and verses in the performance.
Kathak dance mainly includes many intricate foot-works when compared to other classical dance forms. The dance also has very intricate facial expressions and gestures that can only be achieved only under strict training and practice. Since this classical dance form is complex a proper training is very important for any Kathak aspirants. There are various dance institutions that offer Kathak classes in Pune. Joining to any good kathak classes in Pune will help in learning this traditional dance form with perfection.
Gandharva Mahavidyalaya is one of the renowned institutes which offer excellent Kathak classes in Pune. Here highly experienced and expert teachers handle the classes. The Kathak classes in Pune are at par with international standards and classes are taken as different batches with only 10 students per batch. Here anyone who is above 7 years of age is eligible to join the Kathak classes.
As this dance form is complicated and complex, training should be started at an early age. Here at Gandhava Mahavidyalaya, students are given adequate training that prepares them to perform at any occasion with grace and confidence. The institute also organises concerts and programs in which students are given a chance to perform enabling them to get ready for their future ahead.
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Course Objectives
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Course Contents
This being the last course, the aim of this course is to completely prepare the student to enter the world of dance. Thus, the examinations will test the student from all perspectives. The student is expected to have a firm grasp over the art of Kathak, and should be able to explain, teach, and perform both the theoretical as well as practical aspects of dance.
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Theory- In the first written examination, the student will be required to know the history of the ancient tradition of dance in temples. Definitions this year include nat, nartak and tauryatrikam, as also darshanvishi, bhukuti bhed, adhar bhed, types of hand gestures, etc according to the Natyashastra. To be able to perform in today’s world, the dancer should also have adequate information about music arrangement, dance direction, costumes and make-up, lighting, etc. Also, he/she should be aware of the relationship between bhaav (feelings) and rasa (mood), and the use of bhaav, vibhaav, anubhaav and saatvik bhaav in dance. Also, the student will be asked to discuss dance presentations based on any two poetic compositions of Sant Surdas. Also, he/she should be able to write the notation of aamad, farmaaishi paran, tistra jaati and mistra jaati paran, etc in any taal. The second question paper includes elaborate notes on the main three gharanas (Lucknow, Jaipur and Benaras) of Kathak dance, stuti, aamad, salaami, chaal, kasak-masak, thumri, chaturang, ashtapadi, etc. The student is also required to know the form, creation and development of the word thumri. Apart from this, the student will have to be able to write ¾, 1½, 1¾, 4/5, and 5/4 laya in Teentaal, Jhaptaal, Rupak, Dhamaar, Raas and Shikhar, and aamad, todas, paran, chakkardaar paran, kavitta, etc in Ganesh Taal (21 beats), Rudra Taal (11 beats) and Arjun taal (24 beats). He/she will also have to write essays on topics such as the importance of laya, taal and laykaari in Kathak dance, the different kinds of costumes in Kathak, the effect of Muslim culture of Kathak dance, and the importance of the ghungru in Kathak, among others. Also, the student will be required to know what karan is, and the names of the first 10 karan from amongst the 108 karan.
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Practical- It is compulsory for the student to perform solo for up to 30 minutes in a concert for this exam. The student will be taught a Ganesh-stuti, Durga-stuti and Ram-stuti in this course. Apart from a taal of one’s choice, he/she will have to make a special presentation in Ganesh, Rudra, Arjun or Ashtamangal taals. He/she will also be required to perform a bhaav-nritya on Dhrupad or Ashtapadi. The student should have a varied collection of presentations on gatbhaav as well. Apart from a well-known thumri, the student will also have to perform on a thumri of the examiner’s choice. He/she should have special mastery over naayika bhed. The student should also be able to compose and perform spontaneously. Apart from this, he/she will be asked to recite all the taals. Also, the student should be competent at singing a composition while presenting it, and playing the bols on the tabla. Also, with the end of this course, the student should also be capable of teaching little children.