Pre-Primary 1 (PP1) – Introduction to Kathak

Practical

• Basic standing postures (Sthaanak)
• Namaskar (Salutation)
• Tatkaar (Basic footwork – slow and medium tempo)
• Simple hand movements (Hastak)
• Introduction to laya (rhythm): Slow, medium

Theory

• What is Kathak
• Introduction to Indian classical dance
• Names of body parts used in dance (Ang, Upang)
• What is laya and taal?
• Introduction to Teen Taal (16 beats)

Pre-Primary 2 (PP2)

Practical

• Tatkaar with simple Tihai
• Simple Toda/Tukda
• Basic hand gestures (Asamyukta Hastas)
• Simple Bhav-based expressions (smile, surprise, etc.)

Theory

• Meaning of Tihai, Amad, Toda
• Short story of Kathak origin
• Names of some taals (Teen Taal, Dadra taal, Keharwa Taal)
• Basic gestures and their meanings

1st Year

Practical

• Tatkaar with variations
• Chakkars with proper posture (up to 8)
• Amad
• 3-4 Todas/Tukdas in Teen Taal
• Basic Bhav – storytelling through face and hand gestures
• Hastak combinations

Theory

• Definitions: Tatkaar, Tihai, Amad, Tukda, Kavitt, Paran etc.
• Knowledge of Teen Taal (16 beats): Theka, clap, wave
• Importance of Guru in Indian classical arts

2nd Year

Practical

• Advance Tatkaar patterns (Ladi)
• Chakkars – up to 16
• Amad, Todas, and Tukdas in Teen Taal
• 1 Paran and 1 Kavitt
• Introduction to Jhap Taal (10 beats)
• Bhav on simple Thumri or Bhajan or Vandana

Theory

• Names of 8 classical dance forms
• Differences between Laya: Vilambit, Madhya, Drut
• Importance of expressions (Abhinaya)
• Theory of Teen Taal and Jhap Taal

3rd Year

Practical

• Complex Tatkaar variations in different laya
• More intricate Todas, Tukdas, Paran in Teen Taal & Jhap Taal
• 16 Chakkars in one directions with sam
• 1 Vandana (prayer dance)
• Short Gat Bhaav (Krishna Leela scenes)

Theory

• Concept of Nritta and Nritya
• Introduction to Navarasa (9 emotions)
• Concept of Gharanas – brief intro to Lucknow, Jaipur
• Instruments used in Kathak (Tabla, Pakhawaj, Sarangi, etc.)

4th Year

Practical

• All items in Teen Taal and Jhap Taal with clarity
• Introduction to Ek Taal (12 beats)
• Gat Nikas (Walks – Krishna, Radha, Gopi)
• Gat Bhav – Kaliya Mardan or any mythological story
• Bhajan with abhinaya

Theory

• Detailed explanation of Teen Taal, Jhap Taal, Ek Taal
• Anga, Upanga, Pratyanga
• Basic knowledge of Natya Shastra and Abhinaya Darpan
• Role of Bhakti in Kathak

5th Year

Practical

• Advanced Todas, Tukdas, Parans, and Chakradars in Teen Taal, Jhap Taal, Ek Taal
• Thumri or Bhajan with full Abhinaya
• Gat Bhav (any classical story – Meera, Radha-Krishna, etc.)
• Vandana and finale piece (Tarana or group choreography)

Theory

• Gharanas of Kathak – Features of Lucknow, Jaipur, Banaras
• Definitions of Tarana, Thumri, Bhajan, Gat Nikas, Gat Bhav
• Taal structure: Matra, Vibhag, Sam, Khali
• Contribution of famous Kathak Gurus (e.g., Birju Maharaj)
• Asta Nayikas and Nayak Bhed