--- title: "Kathak Riyaaz & Creative Explorations in Mumbai by Eshani Sathe" description: "Explore authentic Kathak riyaaz and creative choreography by Eshani Sathe. Blending Jaipur Gharana tradition with contemporary rhythm for performances and workshops." canonical: https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/choreography-performance-services/riyaaz-creative-explorations last_updated: 2026-02-09 --- # Kathak Riyaaz & Creative Explorations Tribe Verified · Jaipur Gharana lineage based in Mumbai By [Eshani Sathe](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak) · Takes projects in Mumbai, Pune, and across India · ₹18K Per Song (estimate) Part of [Choreography & Performance Services](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/choreography-performance-services). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/choreography-performance-services/gallery) 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. ## Photos and videos - [Video: A spontaneous duet of a beautiful Tarana, filmed after a class. This shows the joy of impromptu practice and collaboration with fellow dancers.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ca799493-646a-47d0-9cfb-eca4d8783f57) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2523075c-e090-4c84-ae5b-12e67ca23469) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c8cc5970-6811-4087-9553-4ba0f69e8723) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f3fec92a-9807-4852-9cc0-25f6808ed45a) - [Video: 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'.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/654a1fb2-db70-462d-b2dc-da86a2967c91) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8edefaa4-2476-49e6-8e83-dd9a355aa4f6) - [Video: Practicing a rare and favorite composition on the 'Abhisarika Nayika', taught by my Guruji. This piece is a masterclass in storytelling through movement.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/47215224-64d1-46c1-a859-6c42c0c21593) - [Video: Revisiting an old 'bandish' from 2020. This clip from the archives shows that classical compositions, like gold, are timeless.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/25951aae-a145-4279-9168-df2fed0becda) - [Video: An experimental piece where I interpret the song 'Garaj Garaj' in different 'taals' (rhythmic cycles), showcasing my technical understanding of Kathak's mathematical structure.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6841a751-0bfa-4bbe-b5d0-98c38db1e745) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/31f396bd-fcc0-41ec-aa65-2b2789f518d3) - [Video: A technical demonstration of a 'tihai' that incorporates all the 'jaatis' (rhythmic patterns). This showcases both intricate footwork and graceful movement vocabulary.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a5fad6f6-9990-494c-8aa0-6655a9a54d01) - [Video: The #SapphireSpinsChallenge, a fun fusion of Kathak spins with contemporary music. This shows my engagement with digital trends while staying true to my classical roots.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8be953ef-5d8e-4ca0-bf45-a2033716b079) - [Video: A footwork-focused reel set to the music of maestros Bickram Ghosh and Kala Ramnath. This highlights the intricate and precise foot movements that are the foundation of Kathak.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/10196976-78b8-480e-aff7-5dd7567bc270) - [Video: A message for every dancer. This piece expresses that dance is an eternal part of our being that can never be left behind for other pursuits in life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ac6ba8a6-3a85-4e95-b957-a84e72948902) - [Video: A joyful dance to a soulful fusion track. This shows my love for contemporary Indian music and how it can be beautifully interpreted through Kathak.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fdac3bdb-1887-49da-9dda-b04dce93b97c) - [Video: A behind-the-scenes look at a duet rehearsal. This clip shows the process of synchronizing movements and expressions with a fellow dancer for an upcoming show.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fd7b7423-8a70-4a71-97c4-d335a89146bd) - [Video: Revisiting a 'Gatnikas' with Ghoomar elements that I learned over a decade ago. This piece blends classical Kathak with the fluid grace of Rajasthani folk dance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fa49fe46-3ce3-411b-8773-65f871a7966f) - [Video: When all you want to do is dance. A simple, joyful expression of my passion, captured on a sunlit rooftop.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c0f1adb9-4b73-4afd-916a-3874cf62cead) - [Video: A short, invigorating dance to a track from the series 'Bandish Bandits'. This shows how even 30 seconds of inspiring music can spark a dancer's energy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f73baf3e-a62a-4b18-86a1-3933830048ed) ## 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. ## About 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. [See all of Eshani Sathe's services](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak) ## More from Choreography & Performance Services by Eshani Sathe - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/choreography-performance-services/featured) - [Grand Stage Productions](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/choreography-performance-services/grand-stage-productions) - [Baithak: Intimate Concerts & Events](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/choreography-performance-services/baithak-intimate-concerts-events) - [The Art of Abhinaya: Storytelling & Expression](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/choreography-performance-services/the-art-of-abhinaya-storytelling-expression) - [Collaborations & Community](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/choreography-performance-services/collaborations-community) - [Artistic Portraits](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/choreography-performance-services/artistic-portraits) ## More services by Eshani Sathe - [Specialized Kathak Workshops](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/specialized-kathak-workshops) - [Kathak Dance Classes](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/kathak-dance-classes) ## Similar work from other experts - [Kathak Practice and Choreography Sessions](https://mytribe.in/sharatprabhath/kathak-dance-classes/inside-the-studio-practice-choreography) by Sharat Prabhath · Kathak Dance Classes · Classes in Jayanagar, Indiranagar, Banashankari & Online - [Kathak & Semi-Classical Dance Studio Creations](https://mytribe.in/salonis/choreography-for-film-stage-events/studio-creations-indian-semi-classical) by Saloni Saraf · Choreography for Film, Stage & Events · Takes projects across Mumbai, London & India - [My Kathak Riyaaz: A Daily Practice](https://mytribe.in/pooja_pant_kathak/kathak-workshops/my-solo-riyaaz-the-daily-practice) by Pooja Pant · Kathak Workshops · Online workshops via Zoom & In-person across India - [Exploring Bharatanatyam: Where Tradition Meets Contemporary Inquiry](https://mytribe.in/delhidancer/classical-dance-education/featured) by Tanya Saxena · Classical Dance Education · Online classes and in-person at studio in Delhi NCR - [The Art of Choreography: Process and Innovation](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra/dance-choreography-services/the-art-of-choreography-process-innovation) by Nirupama Rajendra · Dance Choreography Services · Available in Bengaluru and travels across India - [Advanced Kathak Training: Master Rhythm and Grace](https://mytribe.in/dance_with_agmi/indian-classical-folk-dance/advanced-kathak-mastering-the-art) by Dance With Agmi · Indian Classical & Folk Dance · Online classes & at studio in Paschim Vihar, New Delhi ## Book To book Eshani Sathe, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Eshani%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20Riyaaz%20%26%20Creative%20Explorations%20gallery%20and%20would%20like%20to%20discuss%20a%20potential%20collaboration%20or%20performance.)