Kathak is one of the eight major classical dances of India. The word Kathak is derived from katha, meaning “the art of storytelling.” This dance began with the community of artists known as Kathakars, whose profession was to narrate history while including all aspects of drama. With dance and music, these storytellers of ancient India would realize great scriptures like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, as well as the Puranas of Sanskrit literature.
Atlanta Kathak’s goal is to endow the education and traditions of the ancient art of Kathak through a fresh, and youthful perspective. While keeping consistent with the ancient style, we add a modern athleticism and flair. Our aim is to perfect all parts of the dance. We offer a high-quality , diploma program in which students may obtain up to a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate in Kathak. Atlanta Kathak is the largest, accredited University Kathak program in the southeast. Our areas of focus for our diploma program are as follows:
Tayari
Readiness.
The virtuosity of technique and skills acquired through systematic training and practice.
Layakari
Understanding.
The deep understanding and versatility of rhythm and timing.
Khubsurti & Nazakat
Beauty & Delicacy.
The aesthetics of the art form and the refined subtlety of rendering expression and evoking emotion.
Nritta
Pure Dance, Technique.
Movement exercises, basic footwork tatkar, turns chakkars,rhythmic patterns and timing, recitation of the dance verses bols.
Nritya
Dance, Rhythm and Expression.
Interpretive gestures, expression and the rendering of traditional songs and poems.
Natya Drama
The art of storytelling, the nine sentiments nava rasa, and working with masculine/feminine energies ardhanariswara-shiva/shakti.
Natya krama
Yato hasta stato drishti
Yato drishti stato manah
Yato manah stato bhava
Yato bhava stato rasaha.
Meaning
Where the hand is, eyes should follow there
Where the eyes is, the mind should be there
Where the mind is, there goes the expression,
And where there is expression, there arises emotion.
Please review the Kathak schedule through the Registration link. Call for detailed scheduling. Kathak classes are available to students who are 4 and older. Advancement of education takes place through an examination process, with supporting educational materials that enable students to measure their progress and receive a certificate for each level of Kathak. If you are transferring from another institution or academy, please inquire about placement at info@atlantakathak.com.