Kathak Dance Classes - Beyond Basics

After completing the fundamental course, it is time to learn more complex compositions in different rhythmic patterns. The same topics such as tatkar with hast sanchalan, and pieces like thaat, tukda, and tihai, will be taught more elaborately. The complex nature of these will be introduced gradually. The concept of taal and laya of which the student already has basic knowledge will be taught further by introduction to different taals and layakari.

The following will be taught -

• Tatkaar with its varieties will be taught in Jhaptaal. There are several varieties of Tatkar. And how beautifully it is woven in the 10 beats of a Jhaptaal in different ways is the main focus of this topic.
• Tukdas of a more complex nature will be introduced both in Jhaptaal and teentaal. Tukdas are well-defined rhythmic compositions that are performed on a specific taal. Tukdas are performed to showcase the dancers’ technical proficiency and command of rhythm.   
• Paran and paran aamad - the next two topics of this course. Paran comes from the Pakhawaj tradition where the bols or syllables are weaved in a repetitive chakradhar style. Amad refers to arrival or entrance. Paran amad refers to the dancer entering the stage using demonstrating a more complex paran.  
• Thaat will be taught in Jhaptaal.Thaat refers to the initial part of the performance. It is usually characterized by graceful postures and slow and deliberated movements that gradually builds up the mood and tempo of the performance.   
• Rangmanch - Under this topic, you will learn how to utilize the entire space on the stage while performing. The dancers will learn how the stage is set up with accompanying musicians, lighting arrangements, and props that are used on stage. The dancers should know how to enter the stage, engage the audience during their performance, and also exit after the performance is over.   
• Salaami - Refers to formal greetings. It is a gesture of respect and acknowledgment, often performed to pay homage to the audience, the stage, the musicians, and the divine. Salami sets a respectful and auspicious tone for the performance that follows. 
• Introduction to Gatnikas and a simple Gatbhav - Gatnikas and Garbhav are different repertoires of Kathak that have very elaborate compositions. They get more detailed as the learning advances. At the intermediate level, you will learn the basic structure of the Gatnikas and Gatbhav. 

About the Teacher

Pallavi was born into a distinguished family with a rich cultural heritage. Her father, Pratap Pawar, is an acclaimed violinist and a foremost disciple of Padma Bhushan Pandit V.G. Jog. He served at the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi in New Delhi. Her mother, Seema Pawar, is a Sangeet Prabhakar in Vocal Music.

Pallavi showed a love for dance from an early age and began her Kathak training at seven at Kathak Kendra in Delhi. She studied the Lucknow Gharana style under Guru Munna Lal Shukla, Guru Reba Vidyarthi, and Guru Bharti Gupta. Pallavi excelled, earning a scholarship and completing her Post Diploma. She then achieved her Nritya Visharad from Bhatkhande University of Music, Lucknow.

She has performed at festivals like "Kathak Mahotsav" and "Chhatra Utsav" and participated in various dance dramas. An accomplished choreographer, she teaches at her dance school, Prashaa Nritya Academy, and judges state-level competitions at UP Sangeet Natak Akademi, Lucknow.