Programs

We offer a range of programs in the form of presentations, hands-on workshops, workshop series, or lecture/demonstrations based on the audience and purpose of the event. Our programs can stand alone or be integrated into an existing curriculum. They are generally provided free of charge, or for a nominal fee. Our dancers are talented and versatile, and usually include some combination of the following in any given event:

Introduction and explanation of the history of the dance :

Kathak has a rich history which mirrors that of the region it comes from, Northern India and Pakistan . As that region lived through the prevalence of Hinduism, the invasion by the Moghuls, the colonization by the British and partition at independence, so too did the dance evolve and change.

Discussion of the cultural and traditional elements of the dance and costumes :

Kathak represents a unique coming together of Hindu and Muslim influences as the dance, which began as a Hindu temple dance, was brought into the courts during the Moghul dynasty, and then to the international stage early in the last century.

Learning and practicing dance techniques:

There is no better way to understand the complexities and physical elements of a dance than by trying it oneself, from the intricate footwork to the graceful movements of the hands and body.

Choreography of a dance piece :

Creation of something new is important in dance, and in workshops series that span several sessions, participants might work in groups to choreograph a piece based on the steps and techniques acquired.

Singing and recitation :

Like many other dances from India , Kathak has a unique language, a set of syllables associated with the steps which create a verbal representation of the dance.

Story-telling through dance and mime :

The name Kathak originates from the Sanskrit word katha for "story." The first Kathak dancers were kathakas , or wandering story-tellers, who enacted tales from the Hindu epics and other themes. This story-telling component is still an important part of Kathak today.

Exploration of music:

An introduction to Kathak dance often involves an introduction to the fundamentals of Indian music and musical instruments, as well as to some of the songs which the dance accompanies.

Exploration of rhythm and clapping patterns :

Kathak is a highly mathematical dance, based on rhythmic patterns set against a musical cycle of sixteen beats. Dancers must be particularly attuned to the rhythms they are dancing as, wearing a string of bells on each ankle, they are percussive instruments themselves.