Kathak Technique and Riyaaz Training
Step into the riyaaz room. From mastering intricate footwork and chakkars to understanding complex rhythmic cycles, this is where Kathak technique comes to life.
This is more than just a practice session; it's a collective learning experience. Here I am doing my riyaaz with live musicians, where the exchange of ideas and energy gives shape to the art long before a performance.
Music rehearsals in Pune are always full of energy. The tabla artist often throws extempore challenges, which are both nerve-wracking and exciting, pushing me to improvise and respond in the moment.
A close-up on the ghungroos, the bells that are essential to a Kathak dancer's footwork. Every step, stomp, and slide creates a unique sound, making the feet a percussive instrument.
The slow, graceful movements, or 'andaaz', of Kathak are just as beautiful as the fast ones. Here I am choreographing and practicing a piece in an 11-matra cycle, focusing on elegance and control.
A clip of my personal riyaaz, or practice. I am working on complex rhythmic patterns, counting out the beats in Hindi, and executing a long sequence of chakkars, or spins, building stamina and precision.
Part of my riyaaz session, where I am practicing gatnikas, or stylized walks, that I co-created with tabla artist Ojas Adhiya. This piece is set in the uncommon 17-matra Taal Shikar.
A solo practice session focusing on Taal Shikar, a rhythmic cycle of 17 beats. Exploring these less common taals is a challenging and rewarding part of my sadhana as a dancer.
This is what the camera captures when I practice my chakkars, or spins. While I focus on a single spot to maintain balance, the room blurs into a whirl of color, showing the speed and energy of the movement.
About My Riyaaz & Kathak Technique
True Kathak technique is built in the practice room, long before you ever step onto a stage. Whether we are drilling chakkars to master balance or diving into complex 17-matra rhythmic cycles with live tabla accompaniment, this is where the muscle memory is formed. You get to see exactly how I approach these sessions; it is raw, sometimes tiring, but always deeply rewarding.
My riyaaz is not about mindless repetition. It is a conversation between me, my rhythm, and the musicians. When you watch these clips, you see the focus on 'Anga Shuddhi' (upper body posture) and the precision required for every stamp and spin.
Why Technique Matters
Kathak is a percussive dance form, and your feet are your primary instrument. In my technique-focused sessions, we break down:
- Footwork (Tatkar): Achieving clarity of sound in every beat.
- Chakkars: Maintaining focus and balance during high-speed spins.
- Taal Understanding: Moving beyond the standard Teentaal to explore cycles like the 17-matra Shikar Taal.
Learning Together
Whether you join my Mumbai classes in Juhu, Vile Parle, or Virar, or connect via interactive Zoom sessions, the focus remains the same. You are not just learning steps; you are learning how to listen to the music, anticipate the rhythm, and respond to the tabla. I encourage my students to engage in that same 'sawal-jawab' (question-answer) exchange I have with my musicians.
We keep our group batches small, between 10 to 20 students, to ensure I can provide individual corrections on posture and alignment. If you are looking to build a strong foundation, prep for exams, or simply refine your performance, these sessions are designed to meet you exactly where you are in your dance journey.
Pooja Pant
I am Pooja Pant. Kathak is my lifelong sadhana, and I am here to guide you through both the grace of abhinay and the rigorous technique that makes the dance form what it is. I believe in learning together, and I look forward to sharing my riyaaz with you.
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