Kathak Riyaaz & Creative Explorations
My daily practice is where tradition meets contemporary experimentation. In this space, I refine the technical foundations of the Jaipur Gharana, blending pure classical footwork with the pulse of modern music.
A spontaneous duet of a beautiful Tarana, filmed after a class. This shows the joy of impromptu practice and collaboration with fellow dancers.
The sound of ghungroos is the song of a Kathak dancer. This studio practice session focuses on the pure sound and rhythm of the ankle bells.
An impromptu dance to an iconic Bollywood song. This shows my love for blending the energy of popular music with the grace of Kathak movement.
The absolute joy of dancing. This clip from a studio session captures the powerful spins and fluid movements that are a part of my daily practice.
A practice session featuring intricate footwork and spins set to a dynamic track with tabla and pakhawaj. This showcases the technical side of my 'riyaaz'.
A pre-riyaaz warmup spin in a beautiful ghagra. The flair and movement of the costume are an integral part of the visual beauty of Kathak.
Practicing a rare and favorite composition on the 'Abhisarika Nayika', taught by my Guruji. This piece is a masterclass in storytelling through movement.
Revisiting an old 'bandish' from 2020. This clip from the archives shows that classical compositions, like gold, are timeless.
An experimental piece where I interpret the song 'Garaj Garaj' in different 'taals' (rhythmic cycles), showcasing my technical understanding of Kathak's mathematical structure.
Exploring the sound of melancholy through movement. This expressive piece uses the full flair of a multi-paneled anarkali to convey a mood of longing.
About Riyaaz & Creative Explorations
When I work on a composition, the process is rarely about just the final look. I often structure my riyaaz by breaking down technical footwork first to ground the body, then layering in the taal (rhythmic cycle) before moving into choreography. If you are looking to understand the mechanics behind a performance or are interested in a fusion project, this is the environment where that foundation is built.
Kathak is often misunderstood as just 'steps'. My studio practice is a dedicated sadhana—an internal search for rhythm. Coming from the Jaipur Gharana, I prioritize layakari (rhythmic play) and precise footwork (tatkar). Every session here is a balance of heritage and experimentation.
The Process
It starts with the ginti (counting) and bols (syllables). Whether I am refining an old bandish handed down by my mother or choreographing a contemporary fusion piece to rock or film music, the process remains rigorous. I believe that to interpret dance in new ways, one must first master the classical rules.
I do not just dance to the music; I engage with the taal. If you watch the clips in this gallery, you will see me interpreting the same composition in different rhythmic cycles, or focusing purely on the sound of ghungroos (ankle bells) as an instrument.
Why this matters for your project
Whether you are a student looking to understand the technique, a fellow artist interested in collaboration, or a client seeking a performance that is technically sound yet experimental, this space is where my craft is honed. We aren't just moving to beats; we are understanding the mathematical structure of Indian classical dance. If you’re curious about how a traditional teentaal can be reimagined for a modern stage or how to blend abhinaya (expression) with contemporary storytelling, I’m always open to discussing those possibilities.
Eshani Sathe
I am Eshani, a Kathak dancer carrying forward the Jaipur Gharana legacy taught by my mother. I believe in dancing with discipline and heart, whether it is on a large stage or during a quiet session in my studio.
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