Foundation Course in Kathak

By Amita Dutt | Rabindra Bharati University

Learners enrolled: 482

Kathak is one of the major Classical Dance forms of our country. Anchored on the Hindustani Classical Music system, and performed across the Indo-Gangetic valley for centuries, Kathak is now a popular dance form throughout India and also across the globe.

Kathak gives emphasis on poses, expressions, grace, hand, eye and body movements and footwork and the enactment of stories and portrayal of rhythmic structures. It makes the dancer's body look younger, helps to lose body weight and to bring a lot of excitement into life. It also helps to make the practitioner more active and full of energy.

A systematic and detailed practical training in this intricate dance form and a knowledge of its history and aesthetics is carefully conveyed in this course.

The Foundation Course is the precursor to more advanced training courses in Kathak.

Summary

Course Status :	Completed
Course Type :	Elective
Language for course content :	English
Duration :	6 weeks
Category :	Arts
Credit Points :	2
Level :	Undergraduate
Start Date :	04 Jul 2022
End Date :	14 Aug 2022
Enrollment Ends :	15 Sep 2022
Exam Date :

Page Visits

Course layout

Weekly Plan

Weeks

Weekly Lecture Topics

Assignment

(No. & Type)*

Module 1: Introduction to Nritta: Tatkar in Trital & Padhant

Module 2: Introduction to Nritta: Hasta Sanchalan – 1

Module 3: Introduction to Nritta: Hasta Sanchalan – 2

Module 4: Tihai

Objective

and

Subjective

Module 5: Tatkar

Module 6: Aamad

Module 7: Tukra

Objective

and

Subjective

Module 8: Toda

Module 9: Paran

Module 10: Thaat

Objective

and

Subjective

Module 11: Abhinaya : Shloka

Module 12: Abhinaya : Gat Bhava 1

Module 13: Abhinaya : Gat Bhava 2

Objective

and

Subjective

Module 14: Beyond Lessons: On the Stage

Module 15: Theory 1: Origin and History of Kathak

Module 16: Theory 2: Development of Kathak: The Lucknow Gharana

Module 17: Theory 3: History & Development of Kathak: The Jaipur & the Benaras Gharanas

Objective

and

Subjective

Module 18: Theory 4: Origin and History of Kathak: The Modern Age

Module 19: Theory 5: Contemporary Development: Expansion and Rejuvenation

Module 20: Revision and Recapitulation

Objective

and

Subjective

Books and references

1. Indian Classical Dance by Kapila Vatsayan. Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. 1974.

2. Traditions of Indian Classical Dance by Mohan Khokar. Clarion Books. Delhi. 1979.

3. Kathak. Indian Classical Dance Art by Sunil Kothari. Abhinav Publications. New Delhi. 1989.

4. The Splendours of Indian Dance by Mohan Khokar with photographs by Gurmeet Thukral. Revised Edition, 1988. Published by Himalayan Books, New Delhi.

5. Indian Classical Dance: Tradition in Transition by Leela Venkataraman and Avinash Pasricha.Roli Books, Lustre Press Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, 2001

6. Indian Culture: Encyclopaedic Survey in Eight Volumes edited by Jaikishandas. Published by Bharatiya Vidya Mandir, Jaipur & Kolkata, 2008. Volume VI. Papers by Prof. Amita Dutt entitled: Kathak Dance: Origin and Variations of Gharana; Technique of Kathak Dance; Hasta Mudras in Indian Dance.

7. Project of the History of Indian Science Philosophy and Culture. Ed. Professor D.P.Chattopadhyaya. Volume VI: Aesthetics. Some Indian Dance Forms by Prof. Amita Dutt

Instructor bio

Amita Dutt

Rabindra Bharati University

Amita Dutt – exponent, professor, choreographer, director, teacher, scholar, critic and columnist - is among the bright luminaries in the field of contemporary Indian classical dance.

Widely traveled and recipient of innumerable awards, Amita has constantly popularized Kathak through her recitals, innovative choreographic creations, talks, interviews, articles and workshops both in and outside India, in major cultural festivals and state events, at Universities and major institutes, on the stage, the television and the internet.

She has served the Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata as Uday Shankar Professor of Dance and former Head of the Dept. of Dance and Dean of the Faculty Council of Fine Arts & Performing Arts and Founder Director of Performing Arts Therapy Centre.

She is attached to major Universities such as Visva Bharati, Banaras Hindu Univeristy, Indira Kala Sangit Vishwavidyala in various important capacities and has represented India in many foreign Universities.

She has been a regular Resource Person in UGC-CEC programs, having received citations for her contribution. Her articles and books on cultural aspects have received great acclaim. She has had more than twenty Researchers working under her guidance for degrees of M.Phil and Ph.D