Foundation Level -3 years

Our foundation courses are meant to guide learners one step at a time into the classical performance art of Kathak dance and create a strong knowledgeable foundation for the rest of the levels. Our foundation courses have multiple batches for different learning levels of students. The batches are not based on age groups but the level of experience and knowledge, which is decided by our chief mentor. Foundation level consist of three years of training in movement, text and rhythms. Every year is concluded by exam authorised by Natvari academy and is followed by a certification. Following is our course content.

Learning outcomes

  • Learn basic awareness of good posture and grace
  • Develop understanding of classical rhythm (taal system)
  • Hand body coordination
  • Enhanced Motor skills
  • Basic footwork
  • Introductory Shastra knowledge

Requirements

  • Prior certifications (in case there are any)
  • Basic interest in Kathak
  • Clothes for easy movement
  • Patience

First year

Course Overview

  • Body conditioning and body alignment
  • Teena Tala and Keherva Tala introduction and Laya Sanskar
  • Hastak ( Hand movements) and its applications
  • Ganesh Vandana and Bhajan 
  • Sanyukt ( both hands ) and Asanyukt (single handed) mudras as per Shastra ‘Anbhinay Darpan’ by Nandikeshwar ji and few applications
  • Bandishes in Vilambit and Madhya Laya

Second year

  • Understanding the intricacies of Laya
  • Introduction of Teen Tala, Dadara, Kehrva
  • Introduction to writing rhythmic patterns and its understanding
  • Variation of footwork
  • Introduction of theory aspect and definitions
  • Intensive work on body and mind coordination and speed
  • Bhajan and Guru Vandana
  • sanyukt( both hands ) and Asayukt (single handed) mudras as per Nandikeshwar ji’s Shastra Anbhinay Darpar and few applications 

Teen tala technical syllabus

Vilambit laya 

  • That 
  • Aamad and its different variations 
  • Paran and its variations 
  • Foot work and baat 
  • Tihayes

Madhya Laya 

  • Saade tukde 
  • Chakardar tukde 
  • Paran
  • Tihahyes 
  • Drut Laya 
  • Gat Nikas 

Third year

  • Introduction to Shastra and its relevance 
  • Theory and learn to write the compositions in Bhatkhande Style 
  • Introduction to the legends in this field and review their work 
  • sanyukt ( both hands ) and Asayukt (single handed) mudras as per Nandikeshwar ji’s Shastra Anbhinay Darpar and new applications
  • Theory exam preparation, discussion on question paper 
  • Internal assignments and assessments
  • Introduction to Choreography and its techniques 
  • One Bhajan, thumari and Tarana 
  • Guru Strotram, Krishna Strotam, Saraswati, Vishnu Strotam and Kavitta

Teen tala technical syllabus

Vilambit Laya

  • Different compositions
  • Intensive foot work
  • Layakari – Ekgun, Dugun, Teegun, Chugun, Attagun

Madhya Laya 

  • Toda
  • Tukda
  • Chakardar paran
  • Tihaye

Drut laya 

  • Gat nikas
  • Gat bhav
  • Jhap Tala
  • Foot work 
  • That 
  • Aamads
  • Tihayes 
  • Tode
  • Paran