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 set of courses aims to give the student a command over the subject. Thus, the topics for study in most courses are the same. However, in each subsequent course, it is expected that the student becomes more and more proficient at the subject matter involved.
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Theory- The student should be aware of the complete history of performing Kathak in temples and the royal courts. Also, in this course, he/she will have to study the particularities of the Benaras gharana and the tradition of the Jaipur and Lucknow gharanas. Apart from this, it is also essential to know about bhou-sanchaalan and the types and uses of drishti-bhed. Building on the previous courses, the definitions and types of laasya and taandav are also part of this year’s syllabus. Apart from all the bols of Teentaal, Rupak and Dhamaar, the student will also have to write the notation of the theka of Teentaal in ½, ¾, 1¼, 1½, 1¾ laya. The student will be asked to clearly explain the definition of abhinay, and further discuss aangik-abhinay, vaachik-abhinay, aaharya-abhinay, and saatvik-abhinay. Since hand gestures are such an important part of dance, this course includes some further gestures such as chakra, samputa, kilak, kurma, etc for study. The student will also have to be well-versed with the life and work of Pt. Achhan Maharaj, Pt. Shambhu Maharaj, Pt. Lacchu Maharaj, Pt. Narayan Prasad, and Pt. Jailal. Apart from this, he/she will be asked to write a brief note on the role of Kathak in the physical, mental and intellectual development.
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Practical- The student will be taught a Shree Shiv Vandana or Shree Krishna Vandana in this course. There will be one uthaan, one thaath, one aamad, one paramelu, one natwari toda, one farmaaishi chakradaar, one ganesh paran, and one tatkaar ki ladi in Teentaal here. Also, in Rupak, the student will be introduced to one thaath, one simple aamad, four simple todas, two chakradaar todas, two paran, two chakradaar paran, two tihaais, one kavitta, and tatkaar in single, double and quadruple tempo with tihaai. The Ektaal composition includes two thaath, one aamad with paran, four todas, two chakradaar todas, two paran, two chakradaar paran, three tihaais, one kavitta, and tatkaar in single, double, triple, and four times laya with tihaai. Apart from this, the student should be capable of reciting all the bols learnt thus far while showing the taal. He/she will also have to show the specialities in gatnikaas such as rukhsaar, chhedchhaad, aanchal, etc., and kaaliya daman in gatbhaav. Apart from this, the student will be asked to present a hori with complete expression of emotions (bhaav-prastuti).