Kathak Dance Classes in Noida are a great way to learn the traditional Indian dance form that has been around for centuries. Kathak is known for its intricate footwork, graceful movements, and expressive storytelling. It is a dance form that requires dedication, discipline, and practice to master.
Highlights
| Fact | Description |
| History | Kathak is one of the eight major forms of Indian classical dance and originated in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It has been influenced by Hindu and Muslim traditions and was initially performed in temples and courts. |
| Style | Kathak is characterized by fast footwork and spins, subtle facial expressions, and intricate hand gestures. It involves storytelling through dance, with the dancer portraying various characters and emotions. |
| Costumes and jewelry | Kathak dancers typically wear a long, flowing skirt called a lehenga, a choli or blouse, and a dupatta or scarf. They also wear a range of traditional jewelry, including bangles, earrings, and necklaces. |
| Music | Kathak dance is usually performed to classical Indian music, with accompaniment from a tabla player and other musicians playing instruments such as the sarangi or harmonium. |
| Training | Kathak dance training typically involves learning the basic footwork, hand gestures, and facial expressions, followed by more complex spins and movements. Students also learn the history and cultural significance of Kathak dance. |
| Career prospects | Graduates of Kathak dance classes may pursue careers as professional dancers, choreographers, dance teachers, or cultural ambassadors. They may also perform in cultural events, festivals, and concerts. |
About Kathak Dance
Kathak dance is one of the eight major forms of Indian classical dance that originated in Uttar Pradesh. Kathak is said to have originated with travelling bards known as Kathakars or storytellers in ancient northern India. 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”.
Kathak is divided into three distinct styles known as “gharanas,” which are named after the cities where the Kathak dance tradition evolved: Jaipur, Banaras, and Lucknow. The Jaipur gharana emphasises foot movements, whereas the Banaras and Lucknow gharanas emphasise facial expressions and graceful hand movements. The Kathak dance form emphasises rhythmic foot movements that are adorned with small bells (Ghungroo) and are choreographed to music.
Kathak Dance Three Main Section Repertoire
According to Bruno Nettl, a modern Kathak, in all three major sub-traditions known as Lucknow, Benares, and Jaipur styles (gharana), consists of three main sections: the invocation, one pure (abstract) dance recital, and one expressive dance.
Pure Dance (Nritta)
The nritta performance begins with a thàth sequence, which is a slower and more graceful movement of the wrists, neck, and brows. Following that, the dancer gradually increases speed and energy while completing a bol sequence (mnemonic syllables in Indian tradition).
Each bol is divided into short sections, similar to technical exercises in western dance traditions, in which the dancer engages the audience with tora, tukra, parhant, paran, and other movements emphasising footwork, gestures, and turns.
The viewer is presented with pure movement in a Kathak nritta, as with all classical Indian dance forms, with the emphasis on the beauty in motion, form, speed, range, and pattern. Its goal is to engage the audience’s senses (prakriti).
Expressive Dance (Nritya)
Nritya is a slower and more expressive form of Kathak that attempts to communicate feelings and storylines, particularly with spiritual themes in Hindu dance traditions. The dance expands to include words, musical notes, and gestures to articulate a legend or message in a nritya; it is more than sensory pleasure; it aims to engage the viewer’s emotions and mind.
The Natya connects through abhinaya (literally, “carrying to the spectators”), which is the use of body-speech-mind and scene, in which the actors communicate to the audience through song and music, according to Natyashastra. Abhinaya is an expressive gesture and pantomime set to music in Kathak that usually outline a legend or the plot of a well-known story. The underlying story’s ras (sentiment, emotional taste) and bhava (mood) are conveyed through gestures and facial expressions.
Instruments Used in Kathak Dance
Any Kathak performer’s musical instrument ensemble varies, ranging from two to twelve classical Indian instruments or more in versions with synthetic innovations. Tabla (a pair of hand drums that syncs with the dancer’s foot rhythms), sarangi or harmonium with manjira (hand cymbals) that metres the tal (cycle), and other instruments to add effect, depth, and structure to the expressive stage of a Kathak performance are the most common instruments that go with Kathak.
When To Learn Kathak Dance?
There is no age limit for learning Kathak Dance. Kathak Dance Classes for Kids typically begin at the age of Five, but anyone can learn it at any age. This oldest and greatest dance form of India has been passed down through generations. Our dance classes are divided into three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The beginner’s course is a step-by-step introduction to the dance. Kathak is most likely the only dance form that can be started at any age.
About Shruti Sargam
Shruti Sargam Sangit Mahavidyalaya, Dance & Musical Classes in Greater Noida (Affiliated to Prayag Sangit Samiti Prayagraj Regd.no. UPD 551) is one of the top music & dance schools in India and Delhi NCR, offers short term certificate level hobby course classes in dance and music, especially designed with a modern approach for teaching music and dance to kids, children and young adults, school and college students and for Television reality music show / competition participants.
Shruti Sargam is an initiative that teaches and promotes talented Indian musicians and dancers in order to help them build long-term careers. At Shruti Sargam, we teach music and dance in a holistic manner, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of these intricate art forms.
Course Highlights
| Course Name | Kathak Dance |
| Total Duration | 6 Years |
| Junior Diploma | 2 Years |
| Senior Diploma | 2 Years |
| B.A. (Vocal) | 2 Years |
| Time | 4 PM to 8 PM |
| M.A. | Optional |
| Age Group | All Age Group |
| Session | 2 Sessions Weekly |
| Mode | Online/Offline |
| Certification | Yes |
| Contact | +91 9873262795 |
To achieve this, we created an integrated Kathak training curriculum that allows students to learn in great depth and detail while also seeing natural connections between dance subject areas, making kathak learning more meaningful and effective.
Why Shruti Sargam?
We have a strong belief in each student’s individual learning process. Some people learn better when they work together, while others benefit from one-on-one attention. Some students begin from scratch, while others benefit from prior experience.
Shruti Sargam teaches online/offline Kathak Dance classes for beginners, intermediates, and advanced students, as well as percussion. The Kathal Dance classes provided are detailed in scale, giving each mood and emotion a definition. They intend to teach not only dancing but also facial expressions.
Shruti Sargam is regarded as one of the best Kathak dance classes in Noida and Delhi, providing professional practical and theoretical training in Kathak dance and its associated disciplines with the goal of producing the next generation of professionals.
Our qualified and trained teachers have been practising and specialising in the individual art form for many years. We not only provide regular class sessions, but also opportunities for aspirants to demonstrate their skills.
How To Enroll?
If you are interested in enrolling in our course, please call our admission helpline at +91 9873262795 or fill out the form on our website and a specialist will contact you.
Learning in a supportive environment is possible at a reputed music academy in Noida.
FAQs
How long does it takes to learn Kathak?
Kathak is a long-term process that requires commitment, practise, and patience. The time it takes to learn Kathak depends on a variety of factors, including your natural aptitude for dance, the amount of time you can devote to practise, and the quality of instruction you receive.
Q. Do you offer any certificates after completion of the course?
A. Yes, After completion of the course, certificates are given to the students.
Q. Is it difficult to learn Kathak Dance?
A. Learning the different foot movements in Kathak can be a difficult aspect of this dance form. It will, like anything else, require consistent practise. Furthermore, the use of numerous ‘taals’ and ‘laya’ makes this dance form difficult to master. Anyone, however, can learn this dance form with the right guidance and regular classes.
Q. Which state Kathak dance was originated?
A. Kathak dance originated in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (U.P). This one is derived from the word Katha, which means story, and the dancers narrate stories through their eyes and expressions throughout the entire dance.
Q. What is unique about Kathak Dance?
A. Kathak is distinguished by intricate footwork and precise rhythmic patterns articulated by the dancer by controlling approximately 100 ankle bells. It takes real-life movements, stylizes them, and adds complex rhythmic patterns. Kathak is performed by both men and women, and many of the dances convey romantic feelings.
Q. What are the benefits of learning Kathak dance?
A. Kathak dance helps in improving body posture, flexibility, coordination, and concentration. It also helps in reducing stress, improving overall fitness, and enhancing cultural knowledge.
Q. Do I need prior experience to join Kathak dance classes?
A. No, prior experience is not necessary to join Kathak dance classes. Classes are designed to cater to students of all levels, from beginners to advanced.
Q. Is there an age limit to join Kathak dance classes?
A. There is no specific age limit to join Kathak dance classes. Classes are open to students of all ages, and instructors will tailor the class to the age and skill level of the students.