INTRODUCING KATHAK AS AN INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE

India is a repository of an amazing wealth of classical dance and there are many classical dance forms existing in our country, such as Kathak, Bharat Natyam, Odissi, and Kathakali. Classical dance is the one that is entirely based upon scriptures—the prominent among these are:

• Natya Shastra


• Abhinaya Darpan


• Sam Ved

The classical dance of Kathak evolved in northern part of India and was cultured all through the ages in diverse ways and forms among the north Indian people and was nurtured in a religious and spiritual atmosphere.

Kathak as a classical dance form includes all the three elements of dance i.e.:

• Nritt


• Nritya


• Natya

Nritt is predominant in Kathak. It expresses certain rhythmic patterns interpreted by feet, hands and other limbs of the body. It conveys a sense of joy and happiness in response to the movement . Rhythmic compositions, toraas, tukraas, paran, aamad, etc. in Kathak comprise the nritt part of dance.

Nritya implies the rendering of the meaning of a song or story through suggestive facial expressions, codified gestures of hands and symbolic postures of the body. Nritya is rendered in Kathak in different styles of singing and named accordingly like dhrupad, dhamaar, kavitt, etc. Gat nikaas is also included in nritya.

Natya aspect includes gat bhaav, the dancer takes an action or a theme, story, an episode and interprets it through mime.

So, Kathak subsumes within it all the three elements of Indian classical dance.

IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR LEARNING DANCE

Dance is a cosmic reality. Everyone has a right to participate in it and be one with the eternal universe. Age is no bar, no precondition to participate in dance.

People have nurtured various misconceptions about appropriate age to start and conclude dance. Generally people think that dance is only meant for kids or for those up to 30, 40 or 50. WRONG! We believe that there is no age limit to participate in and learn dance.

We at Tigdhaa Kalaa Niketan have designed special packages for older people having regard to their physical capacity and conditions. Should you be interested, we extend an invitation to you to come and participate.

TIGDHAA KALAA NIKETAN: INTRODUCING OURSELVES

Tigdhaa Kalaa Niketan is a dance school situated at # 55/3, Old Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi--110060. We specialise in classical Kathak dance. As a dance school we impart training in dance and undertake research in dance.

As part of our training we admit students for diploma/degree classes and we offer hobby classes as well. You are welcome to participate in any manner you like.

We have designed different types of courses according to the age and aim of the participants. We also offer short duration courses for those who have limited time.

Why Learn Kathak Dance

Dance is a way to celebrate oneself, to celebrate life itself.

To celebrate, to meditate, to participate and to learn an art that is oriental. It is widely believed that the ultimate aim of dance is performance on the stage in front of the viewers. True, performance definitely is an important part of dance. But only a part. Other objectives are to create internal joy by participating in it.

Dance like singing, like painting, is a form of expression. One can express one's feelings and live one's emotions through dance. Dance is one of the ways to explore one's body, mind, heart and soul. It is the key for health, happiness and peace. This way dance becomes the door that could open our journey to find our own bliss.

Today dance has come out to be a career option as well. You could be a performing dancer, a choreographer or a teacher. Not only these are remunerative but could generate tremendous satisfaction as well.

Kathak Dance Classes in Karol Bagh

We at Tigdhaa Kalaa Niketan are starting dance classes at WEA, Karol Bagh from July 1, 2008.