Workshop on performing Art- Dance

Aims and Objectives

•     To impart training mainly in the field of Indian Classical Dance Kathak 
•   To inculcate Indian values of life amongst the masses, more particularly the younger generation through the Guru-Shishya Parampara – leading to a direct interaction of the teacher and the student, making the relation special and personal
• To cultivate and enhance the interest in dance and other performing arts highlighting that they are not only the medium of entertainment but also a medium for proper channelization of emotions as this plays a vital role in determining the quality of life. Balanced growth of physique, mind and spirit/soul/emotions helps in developing fundamental moral values

A workshop was conducted by Ms. Disha and Mr. Nishant, eminent Kathak dance performers for the students of Dharohar club.

Ms. Disha talked to the students about the Heritage of Dance forms and told them that these dances have formed a vast reservoir from which the classical dances have drawn sustenance. There are seven major classical dance styles — Bharatnatyam from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Kathakali, a classical dance-drama from Kerala, Manipuri from Manipur, Kathak from Uttar Pradesh, Odissi from Orissa, and Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh and Sattriya from Assam which has recently been included in the fold of Classical Dances. In their present format, their history cannot be traced back to over two to three hundred years, but they all have links with the ancient and medieval literary, sculptural and musical traditions of India and of their particular regions. They all adhere to the canons of classical dance laid down in the Natya Shastra, a second century C.E. text ascribed to the sage Bharata, to whom it was supposedly revealed by the Creator, Brahma.

 Mr. Nishant told students that Kathak is one of the oldest dance forms in India, with origins attributed to the traveling bards of ancient northern India, known as Kathakars or storytellers. Wandering Kathakas communicated stories from the great epics and ancient mythology through dance, songs and music. It emphasizes rhythmic foot movements, adorned with small bells (Ghungroo). The story is told through a vocabulary found in the gestures of arms, upper body, and facial expressions. The main focus of the dance becomes the feet and eyes, especially the eyebrows.

Both of them taught students Tals, footwork, mudras and facial expressions. They also showed to the students how a story can be told through Kathak. They also informed students about various gharanas and showed a piece of work of each Gharana.

Learning Outcome: It was an enjoyable and great learning experience for the students of Dharohar club. They looked forward for all that is in store of our Heritage.