FAQs

What Is Kathak ?
- Kathak is one of the eight forms of Indian classical dances. Kathak originated from plains of northern India. In ancient Indian temples, dancers who were known as “Kathakar” used to narrate the stories of gods and goddesses through dance and the dance came to be known as “kathak”. 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. In this dance form intricate rhythmic designs executed through rapid footwork, soft and fluid hand movements, stunning and fast pirouettes, darting eyes and tantalizing expressions.
What Kathak Gharana (style) do you follow?
- Kathak has four major styles or lineages, known as “Gharanas”. In our school, we specialize in Lucknow Gharana, which strongly focuses on the dance form’s emotional expressiveness and fluid movements.
What age is good to start classes?
- Five years or older, to ensure student can follow the directions and work in a group setting.
When can I enroll for classes?
- Enrollments usually happen in Jan or Aug. However, classes may begin at any time of the year. Please reach out to us contact us to learn more about up and coming classes.
Is there any opportunity for try-out before I enroll for classes?
- We do not offer try-out sessions. Short try-out sessions do not do justice to experience and appreciate the depth of learning classical dance.
How long and how frequent are the classes?
- Classes are one hour long and are weekly once.
Where do you conduct classes?
- In-person classes are held in North-County. For more details contact us
Are online classes available?
- Yes, we have option of Zoom based classes ( same cadence as of in-person classes, once a week – 1 hr classes )
What is the policy for make-up class?
- In order to keep the overall price of dance lessons down, there is NO makeup classes offered at this time. An email will be sent out to notify parents if there is any cancellation of class from my side and in such cases I’ll try to offer a make up class or a credit for the class will be applied to the next month. Student can join online, if they can’t come to class in person.
What is the dress code for the class?
- Dress code – East Indian ~ Comfortable Stretch Clothing. Please try your best to follow the dress code. This helps our dancers focus on their steps instead of their clothing. No jewelry, except small earrings, may be worn to class. Please note, Kathak is learnt & performed bare footed.
Will the students get to do performances?
- Yes, throughout the year school participates in various community events & students will have opportunity to perform in annual recital/showcase
Are there pre-requisites for students to participate in performances?
- As with any other classical art form, gaining proficiency in Kathak requires time, dedication and effort. Each stage/performance can be of varying caliber, proficiency and audience. Based on where you kid is in the learning curve and the program requirements, I will make the decision on choosing students for the performances.
- However, during annual recital, almost all students will get a chance to perform on stage (except those have less than 3 months of learning).
Can parents observe child’s classes?
- For focused teaching and learning atmosphere, non-dancers including parents, siblings, and friends will not be permitted in the classroom unless it is a Parent Observation Day. There are also many performance opportunities at local events throughout the year.
Do students get to do “Rang Manch Pravesh” (Solo debut )?
- Students who reach a highly advanced level in Kathak have the opportunity to perform in a Rang Manch Pravesh. It is a culmination of years long leaning and rigor. Process of Rang Manch Pravesh requires significant commitment from the student and the family & requires planning at least one year in advance. You can find more details <here>