--- title: "Expressive Storytelling in Kathak: Abhinaya & Gat Classes" description: "Master the art of storytelling in Kathak. Learn Abhinaya and Gat Nikas through the traditional Lucknow Gharana style with expert guidance. Book your session." canonical: https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/kathak-classes-workshops/expressive-storytelling-abhinaya-gat last_updated: 2026-02-09 --- # Expressive Storytelling in Kathak: Abhinaya & Gat Classes Tribe Verified · Trained under Pt. Birju Maharaj ji By [Garvita Sharma](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak) · Online classes available; Studio sessions and workshops in Delhi NCR & Mumbai · ₹600 Per Workshop (estimate) Part of [Kathak Classes & Workshops](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/kathak-classes-workshops). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/kathak-classes-workshops/gallery) Kathak is far more than precise footwork; it is the art of storytelling. Through Abhinaya and Gat, I explore the subtle emotions and rhythmic poetry inherited from the Lucknow Gharana. ## Photos and videos - [Video: This is a Krishna Gat Nikas in Rupak Taal, portraying the playful and graceful walk of Lord Krishna with his flute. Gat Nikas focuses on bringing a character or mood to life through stylized gaits and expressions.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/16c6a737-ab8c-419c-9ae7-f05f77503aa6) - [Video: A performance of Sargam, where melodic notes are woven into the rhythmic structure of Kathak. This piece balances the musicality of the dance with its expressive qualities.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/95065895-2b9d-424c-9880-05f999b51762) ## About Expressive Storytelling (Abhinaya & Gat) When we practice Gat Nikas or Abhinaya, we focus on the transition from 'Nritta' (pure technique) to 'Nritya' (expression). In my sessions, we do not just learn a sequence; we break down how to use specific eye movements and subtle gestures to convey a narrative, such as the playfulness of Krishna or the devotion of a Thumri. This is the moment your dance finds its soul and true character, moving beyond mechanical steps to authentic storytelling. ### The Lucknow Gharana Approach to Storytelling In the Lucknow Gharana, the focus on Abhinaya—the art of expression—is paramount. It is the language through which a dancer communicates, using the face, eyes, and body to narrate stories from mythology, poetry, and daily life. My approach to teaching these elements is rooted in the training I received at Kalashram. #### Gat Nikas and Beyond Gat Nikas is the foundation of storytelling in Kathak. It involves stylized walks and postures that define a character or a scene. Whether we are portraying the grace of Krishna with his bansuri or the subtle gait of a nayika, the precision of your body language is what makes the character believable. We spend time detailing the 'Tatkar' (footwork) that supports these movements, ensuring the rhythm remains constant even when the expression takes center stage. #### Why Focus on Abhinaya? Many dancers master the technicality of rhythmic cycles (Taals) but struggle to connect with the audience. My classes and workshops emphasize: * **Micro-expressions:** Learning how small movements of the brow, lips, and eyes convey complex emotions. * **Narrative Flow:** Structuring a performance so the story remains coherent through music and movement. * **Characterization:** Developing the ability to inhabit different roles within a single composition. By integrating these emotional layers with technical proficiency, I help students bridge the gap between being a performer and becoming an artist. If you are preparing for a performance or simply looking to deepen your connection to this art form, we will work together to refine these nuances. ## About Garvita Sharma I live and breathe Kathak, carrying forward the blessings I received at Kalashram. Whether I am performing or teaching, my goal is to help you find your own voice within the beautiful discipline of the Lucknow Gharana. [See all of Garvita Sharma's services](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak) ## More from Kathak Classes & Workshops by Garvita Sharma - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/kathak-classes-workshops/featured) - [My Students' Journey](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/kathak-classes-workshops/my-students-journey) - [Kathak Classes & Workshops](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/kathak-classes-workshops/kathak-classes-workshops) - [Rhythmic Mastery (Nritta)](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/kathak-classes-workshops/rhythmic-mastery-nritta) - [Awards & Recognition](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/kathak-classes-workshops/awards-recognition) - [In the Footsteps of My Gurus](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/kathak-classes-workshops/in-the-footsteps-of-my-gurus) ## More services by Garvita Sharma - [Kathak Choreography](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/kathak-choreography) - [Dance Competition Judging](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/dance-competition-judging) - [Kathak Performances](https://mytribe.in/garvita.kathak/kathak-performances) ## 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 - [Kathak Abhinaya: Storytelling through Expression](https://mytribe.in/eshanisathe.kathak/choreography-performance-services/the-art-of-abhinaya-storytelling-expression) by Eshani Sathe · Choreography & Performance Services · Takes projects in Mumbai, Pune, and across India - [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 - [Graceful & Expressive Dance Classes in Delhi & Amritsar](https://mytribe.in/bollygarage/dance-workshops/graceful-expressive-dance) by Bolly Garage · Dance Workshops · In-person workshops at studios in Delhi and Amritsar - [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 Classes: Grace, Footwork, and Tradition](https://mytribe.in/sangeet-gurugriha/dance-classes/kathak-grace-in-motion) by Sangeet Gurugriha · Dance Classes · Studio at HAL 3rd Stage & Online ## Book To book Garvita Sharma, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Namaskar!%20I%20saw%20your%20Expressive%20Storytelling%20(Abhinaya%20%26%20Gat)%20page.%20I'm%20interested%20in%20learning%20more%20about%20your%20classes.)