Traditional Kathak Repertoire and Technical Compositions
Kathak is a conversation between the dancer and the rhythm. Explore my company's repertoire of traditional compositions, from Jhaptaal to Teentaal, built on years of focused riyaaz.
My dancers in a classic Kathak pose during a performance. The traditional costume, with its wide flare, is designed to accentuate the beauty of the spins and movements.
A 'Jhaptaal Paran' I choreographed for my company. Jhaptaal is a 10-beat cycle, and a 'paran' is a powerful composition originally recited on the pakhawaj drum.
Snippets from our student showcase, 'Rivaayat'. I was so proud to have students travel from all over the world, including Romania, Dubai, and the USA, to perform with our Mumbai-based students.
I composed this 'tatkaar' (footwork piece) in Basant taal, a 9-beat cycle, during a train journey. Inspiration can strike anywhere, and it's a joy to translate it into a rhythmic composition.
One of my favorite 'tihayees', which is a rhythmic pattern repeated three times to land perfectly on the 'sam' or the first beat of the cycle. This one was taught to me by my guru, Prerna Shrimali ji.
I learned this group choreography from my own Guru, Smt. Rajashree Shirke, about 20 years ago. It was a pleasure to recreate it exactly as I learned it with my senior disciples, passing on the tradition.
A demonstration of various 'tihayees' or rhythmic conclusions. The mathematical precision and the satisfying resolution of a tihayee is one of the most exciting aspects of pure Kathak.
It was fun choreographing one of my favorite 'Parans'. This piece is set to a full live orchestra, with vocals, tabla, pakhawaj, and sitar, creating a rich and layered soundscape for the dance.
A 'riyaaz' session with my company dancers. Consistent practice of traditional compositions is the foundation of our strength and grace as a dance troupe.
A 'Shiv Dhrupad' composition written by the legendary Baiju Bawra. Dhrupad is one of the oldest forms of Hindustani classical music, and choreographing to its majestic and meditative quality is a profound experience.
About Traditional Kathak Repertoire
I don't just teach steps, I teach the mechanics behind every beat. Whether we are exploring a 10-beat Jhaptaal or a complex 13-beat paran, we break down the mathematical structure so you can truly feel the rhythm before you move to it.
For me, the beauty of Kathak lies in the 'sawal-jawab' (question-answer) between the dancer and the music. This repertoire is not just a collection of movements; it is an archive of the compositions I have learned, composed, and practiced over the years. When you study or perform these pieces, you are engaging with the core of the dance.
Understanding the Technical Layers
Every composition shown here is built on a specific 'taal' (rhythmic cycle). You will see examples set to Teentaal, the foundational 16-beat cycle, alongside more intricate structures like Jhaptaal (10 beats) and Basant (9 beats). I believe that to master Kathak, one must understand the anatomy of a 'paran' or a 'tihayee'. A tihayee, for instance, is not merely a fast spin; it is a calculated rhythmic pattern repeated three times to land perfectly on the 'sam', or the first beat of the cycle.
The Studio Environment
These pieces are honed during our sessions at my Juhu and Vile Parle studios. Whether it is a pure dance piece or a composition involving live musicians on Tabla and Sitar, the process involves hours of trial and error. We do not look for shortcuts. We look for the integrity of the posture and the clarity of the footwork (tatkaar).
A Shared Journey
I started learning late in life and I am still learning. When I teach these traditional pieces, I am passing down what my Guru, Smt. Rajashree Shirke, taught me two decades ago. If you are looking to understand the depth of classical Kathak, whether for a performance, a film project, or personal training, these technical compositions are the best place to start. We focus on the 'Bhaav' (expression) and the discipline required to hold these complex rhythms together.
Pooja Pant
I am Pooja Pant. For me, Kathak is a lifelong practice, not just a performance art. I pass down the traditions I learned from my Guru, Smt. Rajashree Shirke, through my school and company, keeping the focus on honest, rigorous technique.
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