Kathak (Hindi: कथक) is one of the eight forms of Indian classical dances, originated from India. This dance form traces its origins to the nomadic bards of ancient northern India, known as Kathakars or storytellers. Its form today contains traces of temple and ritual dances, and the influence of the bhakti movement. From the 16th century onwards it absorbed certain features of Persian dance and central Asian dance which were imported by the royal courts of the Mughal era.
The name Kathak is derived from the Sanskrit word katha meaning story, and katthaka in Sanskrit means he who tells a story, or to do with stories. The name of the form is properly कत्थक katthak, with the geminated dental to show a derived form, but this has since simplified to modern-day कथक kathak. kathaa kahe so kathak is a saying many teachers pass on to their pupils, which is generally translated, she/he who tells a story, is a kathak', but which can also be translated, 'that which tells a story, that is 'Kathak'.
There are three major schools or gharana of Kathak from which performers today generally draw their lineage: the gharanas of Jaipur, Lucknow and Varanasi (born in the courts of the Kachwaha Rajput kings, the Nawab of Oudh, and Varanasi respectively); there is also a less prominent (and later) Raigarh gharana which amalgamated technique from all three preceding gharanas but became famous for its own distinctive compositions. (Source: Wikipedia)
Some Frequently Asked Questions on Learning Kathak
The name Kathak is derived from the Sanskrit word katha meaning story, and katthaka in Sanskrit means he who tells a story, or to do with stories. The name of the form is properly कत्थक katthak, with the geminated dental to show a derived form, but this has since simplified to modern-day कथक kathak. kathaa kahe so kathak is a saying many teachers pass on to their pupils, which is generally translated, she/he who tells a story, is a kathak', but which can also be translated, 'that which tells a story, that is 'Kathak'.
There are three major schools or gharana of Kathak from which performers today generally draw their lineage: the gharanas of Jaipur, Lucknow and Varanasi (born in the courts of the Kachwaha Rajput kings, the Nawab of Oudh, and Varanasi respectively); there is also a less prominent (and later) Raigarh gharana which amalgamated technique from all three preceding gharanas but became famous for its own distinctive compositions. (Source: Wikipedia)
Some Frequently Asked Questions on Learning Kathak
What is the minimum age required to start learning Kathak?
At Ninad CPA, the minimum age required is 8 years.
When can I perform on stage?
Learning classical dance needs patience. You have to practice it regularly for years to get command over it. A performer can not be made overnight. Lot of hard work, dedication and of course, talent is needed to perform on stage.
What are the advantages if I learn Kathak but do not want to be a Professional Performer?
Learning dance adds grace to your body language. A dancer looks more graceful than any other common person. It gives fitness to the body and increases the stamina. It makes you rich spiritually. While dancing you feel more close to the divine power, the god. Also, you can participate in the youth festivals organized by university.
Will you teach us dance on filmy/western songs?
Learning classical dance for few years activates your creativity and you can choreograph any song you hear.
Is there any formal degree or diploma in Kathak from any recognized university?
At Ninad Center for Performing Arts, we will provide a systematic training by professional artist which will turn you into a fine dancer soon. But for this, we need dedication, hard work, sincerity, patience and last but not the least, your faith in the guru- the teacher.
We will also conduct exams (under A.B. Gandharva Mandal Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai) for the students who are interested in certificate course. Three, five, seven and nine years diploma courses will be offered under proper training in theory as well as practical.
We will also conduct exams (under A.B. Gandharva Mandal Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai) for the students who are interested in certificate course. Three, five, seven and nine years diploma courses will be offered under proper training in theory as well as practical.
How can I become a Professional Kathak Dancer?
To become a professional Kathak Dancer, you have to learn the art form under Guru - Shishya Parampara. In this type of training process you will undergo a rigorous training and practice sessions for years and learn the art form with single minded dedication, without any diversion. You have to be with your guru as often as you can and to learn even that which she doesn’t teach you. In short you have to dedicate yourself to the art form.
What are the career options available after learning Kathak?
There are a lot of carrier options available in the field of dance as a Teacher and as a Performer. Every school has a separate Department of Dance which needs professionally qualified Dance Teachers. Lot of Summer Camps being organized by several institutions that also need qualified dance teachers.
Many recognized universities such as Mumbai University, BHU and many more offers Degree courses in Dance where you can be appointed as Lecturer/ Asst. Professor/ Professor.
Many Dance Festivals are organized by Government as well as Private Organizations at state, national as well as International Levels. In which professionally trained dancers are invited to perform.
You can become a choreographer for stage shows, films, dance dramas, serials, ramp shows etc. depending upon your creativity, talent, interest and caliber.
You can write articles, research papers for magazines and work as critic/ art reporter for newspapers.
Even government departments also recruit employees under special artist quota.
Many recognized universities such as Mumbai University, BHU and many more offers Degree courses in Dance where you can be appointed as Lecturer/ Asst. Professor/ Professor.
Many Dance Festivals are organized by Government as well as Private Organizations at state, national as well as International Levels. In which professionally trained dancers are invited to perform.
You can become a choreographer for stage shows, films, dance dramas, serials, ramp shows etc. depending upon your creativity, talent, interest and caliber.
You can write articles, research papers for magazines and work as critic/ art reporter for newspapers.
Even government departments also recruit employees under special artist quota.
Is there any scholarship or financial assistance available for training of dance?
There are scholarships and fellowships given by Ministry of Culture, GOI, and state governments for the training of Dance. Besides this, many private and semi government bodies organizes various festivals to give platform to budding artists and they also need program officers for these type of activities.