--- title: "Master Kathak Abhinaya: Expressive Storytelling Classes in Mumbai" description: "Learn the art of Kathak Abhinaya with professional training in Mumbai. From subtle facial expressions to traditional Hastak, master Kathak storytelling online or offline." canonical: https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/kathak-dance-classes/abhinaya-telling-stories-without-words last_updated: 2026-02-09 --- # Master Kathak Abhinaya: Expressive Storytelling Classes Tribe Verified · 40+ years of Jaipur Gharana lineage By [Eshani Sathe](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak) · Online classes available; Travels across Mumbai Metropolitan Area · ₹1,800 per month (estimate) Part of [Kathak Dance Classes](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/kathak-dance-classes). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/kathak-dance-classes/gallery) Kathak is more than just technical footwork. It is the art of telling a story without saying a word. In my sessions, we use Abhinaya and precise Hastak to breathe life into poetry and emotion, helping you find your own voice through dance. ## Photos and videos - [Video: Indian music and poetry have so many layers, and dance is the best tool to express them. Here, I'm interpreting a line from a Thumri, conveying the feeling of longing and separation through Abhinaya.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7a30d2aa-d268-4c75-8d85-3406de239724) - [Video: The magic of a ghazal lies in its subtle expression of deep emotions. Here I am exploring the feeling of meeting an ex as a new, happy version of yourself, as sung by the legendary Ghulam Ali sahab.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8df6900a-35fe-47ef-bdd4-1740debcf6ea) - [Video: Exploring the Nayika (heroine) in shades of Love, Illusion, Viraha (separation), and Vileen (merging). This Abhinaya piece is based on a beautiful musical presentation, delving into different emotional states.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/841c9221-bdfe-4c9a-9716-9576cabc465f) ## About Abhinaya: Telling Stories Without Words When we explore Abhinaya, I focus on the micro-expressions that make a performance feel honest. Whether you are interpreting a Thumri or a Ghazal, we work on the gaze, known as nazar, and the specific hand gestures that convey the meaning before the music even peaks. My goal is to ensure you feel the emotion inside first, so the movement happens naturally on the outside. ### Understanding Abhinaya Abhinaya is the language of the eyes and the soul. In the Jaipur Gharana style, we do not just perform steps; we inhabit the narrative. This cluster explores how to use your face, hands, and body posture to tell a story. Whether it is a line from a Sufi poem or a classical composition, you learn to translate literature into movement. ### What We Cover - **Hastak (Hand Gestures):** Learning the technical vocabulary of hands to depict nature, deities, and emotions. - **Micro-expressions:** Training your facial muscles to convey subtle shifts in mood, from Viraha (separation) to joy. - **Narrative Interpretation:** Breaking down Thumris and Ghazals to understand the subtext, so your performance reflects an internal truth rather than a rehearsed routine. - **Sadhana (Practice):** Regular riyaaz is essential to make these expressions second nature. ### How to Start Whether you are joining my in-person studio in Vile Parle East or signing up for my live online batches, the approach remains the same. I limit my online classes to 10 students so that I can provide real-time, verbal feedback on your posture and expressions. If you are new, do not worry about being perfect. We start from the basics of eye movement and hand placement, ensuring you build a strong foundation before moving to complex storytelling. Kathak is a journey of patience, and I am here to guide you through every step of your development. ## About Eshani Sathe I am Eshani, and I carry forward the legacy of my mother and Guru, Smt. Radhika Sathe. Kathak is my sadhana, and I am here to help you find your own voice through the nuances of this beautiful dance form. [See all of Eshani Sathe's services](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak) ## More from Kathak Dance Classes by Eshani Sathe - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/kathak-dance-classes/featured) - [Our Stage Performances](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/kathak-dance-classes/our-stage-performances) - [The Teacher's Corner: Padhant & Layakari](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/kathak-dance-classes/the-teacher-s-corner-padhant-layakari) - [Start Your Journey: Online Beginner Classes](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/kathak-dance-classes/start-your-journey-online-beginner-classes) - [The Heartbeat of Kathak: Footwork & Spins](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/kathak-dance-classes/the-heartbeat-of-kathak-footwork-spins) - [Our Guru-Shishya Parampara](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/kathak-dance-classes/our-guru-shishya-parampara) - [In the Studio: Glimpses of Riyaz](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/kathak-dance-classes/in-the-studio-glimpses-of-riyaz) - [Kathak for Kids](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/kathak-dance-classes/kathak-for-kids) - [From Our Audience](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/kathak-dance-classes/from-our-audience) - [Additional Work](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/kathak-dance-classes/additional-work) ## More services by Eshani Sathe - [Specialized Kathak Workshops](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/specialized-kathak-workshops) - [Choreography & Performance Services](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/choreography-performance-services) ## Similar work from other experts - [Mastering Kathak Abhinay and Expressive Dance](https://mytribe.in/pooja_pant_kathak/kathak-classes/the-soul-of-kathak-abhinay-music) by Pooja Pant · Kathak Classes · Online classes via Zoom & In-person across Mumbai - [The Art of Storytelling: Abhinaya & Classical Dance Theory](https://mytribe.in/rhythmotionindia/classical-indian-dance-classes/the-art-of-storytelling-abhinaya-theory) by Rhythmotion · Classical Indian Dance Classes · Online classes and at studio in Rustam Bagh Layout - [Mastering Abhinaya and Expressions in Bharatanatyam](https://mytribe.in/akshatha.pai23/bharatanatyam-classes/the-art-of-storytelling-abhinaya-expressions) by Nritya Gurukul · Bharatanatyam Classes · Online classes & studio sessions in Sector 82, Noida; accessible across Delhi NCR - [Kathak & Semi-Classical Dance Workshops](https://mytribe.in/salonis/dance-classes-workshops/kathak-semi-classical-expressions) by Saloni Saraf · Dance Classes & Workshops · Classes at multiple studios across Mumbai & London - [The Art of Storytelling: Expressions & Seated Dance](https://mytribe.in/dancingadah/dance-classes-workshops/the-art-of-storytelling-expressions-seated-dance) by Dancing Adah · Dance Classes & Workshops · Online classes and workshops at HSR Layout & Haralur - [Semi-Classical & Expressive Dance Classes in Mumbai](https://mytribe.in/anjalidamanichoreography/dance-classes-workshops/semi-classical-expressive-dance) by Anjali Damani Choreography · Dance Classes & Workshops · Online classes, studios in Malad, and travels across India ## Book To book Eshani Sathe, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Eshani%2C%20I%20am%20interested%20in%20joining%20your%20Abhinaya%20and%20Kathak%20sessions.%20Could%20you%20tell%20me%20more%20about%20the%20upcoming%20batch%20timings%3F)