Our teaching is based on the belief that Kathak
dance not only refines but also enlarges the natural human tendency
to express feelings physically.
The combination of Vocal, Instrumental &
dance go hand in hand & are complimentary to each other.
They are like limbs of human body.
Kathak dance performance can be divided in
two main parts i.e. Nrittang (Pure dance portion)
& Abhinaya part (gesticulatory expressions).
Kathak dance requires systematic study &
continuous practice in presence of GURU & alone with one
self till perfection is achieved. This is developed in a process
in which I recite the Kathak bols (Language of dance & drum)
& I am accompanied by a tabla player & harmonium player
who also sings nagma (a repetitive melodic phrase).This continuous
dancing, drumming, reciting & singing generates a graceful
& powerful energy source with its centre near the dancer.
Each student learns following
Natya (drama): - Visual representation
of meaning of words & sentences of a composition. It is
combined manifestation of Bhava, Rasa & abhinaya.
Nritta (Pure dance & technique):
- It reflects the mood, bhav & Rasa. Here movements &
poses of body parts do not convey any meaning but serve to add
grace & variety only. These include movement exercises,
basic footwork tatkar, turns chakkar etc.
Nritya (dance with rhythm & expressions):
- Nritya consists of footwork, gestures & abhinaya (expressions).
For a Kathak it is said that her body should
catch up the tune, the hands must explain the meaning, and the
eyes must speak the emotion & the feet must beat the time.
My teaching begins with tradition which is
taught to me by my GURU. Students are taught to show respect
to the class room, Devi Saraswati (Goddess of knowledge), Natraj
(Originator & the symbol of classical Indian dance) &
Guru before they are allowed in the class.
Following are the steps:
Step-1: - First of all a student
is taught how to wear bells after getting them touch by the
guru first in the right foot & than in the left foot.
Step-2: - Learning of Kathak
begins with introduction of teen Tal. A detail description of
matras, tali (clap) & khali (empty) is given with its four
parts.
Step-3: - Practical knowledge
in given with basic tabla (drum) bol (theka) is being played.
It is followed by knowledge of foot work (tatkar) Salami, that,
Amad, paran, tode, & tihais etc. based on this Tal.
At the same time a student is taught padant
(recitation).
Step-4: - After knowledge
of basics continuous practice is done with tabla (drum) is being
played, reciting bols (language of Kathak dance & drum)
& singing nagma.
Step-5: - At the same time
theoretical knowledge is given for cue writing & reading.
In between various things are being taught
i.e.mudras (gestures), abhinaya (expression of moods), facial
expressions, and uses of limbs (main, minor & adjoining).
Similar sequence is being followed for other
Tal also.
After sufficient knowledge & practice only,
one student becomes capable to perform live on the stage &
during this period he/she is taught stage manners & art
of using stage effectively.
Shweta & her team teach her students not
only nuances of the art but also Indian culture & tradition
so that every one is concern about their social responsibility
with vision full of humanity.
