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 an intermediate level course, the student is expected to already have a strong grounding in both the theory and practical aspects of Kathak. Hand gestures are one of the most important facets of dance. Therefore, new gestures are taught in each subsequent course. The student will also be introduced to the concept of gharanas at this level.
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Theory- The student should have a sound knowledge of all the terms used in the previous examinations. Apart from that, definitions that are included this year are laasya and taandav, the classification of nartan – nritta, naatya, and nritya, folk-dance and modern dance. Also, the student will be given information about greeva-bhed and the nine types of shiro-bhed according to the ‘Abhinay Darpan’. He/she will also have to study brief biographies of Kathak exponents such as Pt. Kalika Prasad, Pt. Bindadin Maharaj, Pt. Harihar Prasad, and Pt. Hanuman Prasad, and an introduction to Sant Kavi Surdas and Meera. Apart from this, he/she will be asked to write about the distinctiveness of the Jaipur and Lucknow gharanas. The student will also have to write the definition and use of hand gestures such as anjali, kapot, karkat, shivalinga, shankha, swastika, etc. The written examination includes the notation of the compositions in the syllabus in Taals Teentaal, Jhaptaal, and Ektaal. He/she will also be asked to describe the events portrayed in gatbhaav.
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Practical- This year’s exam will cover various aspects of Taals Teentaal, Jhaptaal and Ektaal. In Teentaal, the student will be required to know guruvandana, three thaath (in different poses), two aamad, three chakkardaar todas, three paran, three chakkardaar paran, two kavitta, three counted tihaai, half, single, double, triple, four times and eight times laya in tatkaar, and elaborating on baant or chalan. Apart from this, the student will also need to know the particularities of gatnikaas like jhoomar and kalaai, the three types of lifting of the earthen pot, the gatbhaav of maakhan chori (stealing of butter), and expression of emotions in one bhajan. He/she will be taught two thaath, one aamad with paran, one salaami, three simple todas, two chakkardaar todas, two paran, two chakkardaar paran, one kavitta, three tihaais, and tatkaar in single, double, four times laya with tihaai in Jhaptaal. Also, one thaath, one aamad, one chakkardaar toda, two todas, one paran, one chakkardaar paran, one tihaai, and tatkaar in single, double and quadruple laya with tihaai in Ektaal is also a part of this year’s curriculum.