My Kathak Riyaaz: A Daily Practice
Riyaaz is my lifelong sadhana. This is a peek into the raw, unfiltered hours I spend exploring complex talas and refining my technique before the lights go up on stage.
This is my `riyaaz` of a very old, difficult, and beautiful traditional `paran aamad` in 13 matras. It's a treasure I had the privilege of learning, with the speed increasing through five different `layas` (tempos).
Practicing spins in eight different directions in double speed. This is from my piece 'Samanvay' set to 11 matras, an exercise in control, balance, and spatial awareness.
A fun point of view video showing what the world looks like to me when I'm taking spins. While I focus on a single spot to keep my balance, the camera captures the blur of movement.
A clip from my personal `riyaaz` session, practicing intricate footwork patterns and `chakkars`. This daily practice is essential for building stamina, speed, and clarity in every movement.
Part of my `riyaaz` focusing on `gatnikas` in 17 matras (Taal Shikar). These are graceful, stylized walks and turns that add a layer of elegance to a Kathak performance.
A solo practice session working on a piece set to Taal Dhamaar, a rhythmic cycle of 14 beats. This `taal` has a majestic and dignified quality that is beautiful to explore through dance.
A solo practice of a piece in Taal Shikar, a cycle of 17 beats. Exploring these uncommon `taals` is a challenging yet rewarding part of my `riyaaz`.
A throwback video from one of my practice sessions. Every `riyaaz` is a chance to reconnect with the fundamentals and push my own boundaries as a dancer.
About My Solo Riyaaz: The Daily Practice
When I work on chakkars, I often struggle with spotting and balance, just like any student. It takes constant, deliberate repetition, sometimes doing the same movement for an hour, to find that single moment of grace. This process is not about reaching perfection; it is about building the stamina and clarity that makes the art form come alive.
Kathak is more than just performance. It is a constant dialogue between the dancer and the rhythm. My riyaaz is where the real work happens, away from the stage and the applause. Whether I am deconstructing a traditional paran in 13 matras or testing my balance with spins in eight directions, these sessions are focused on the grit behind the grace.
Why this practice matters
I often get questions about how to improve speed or clarity in footwork. The answer is always in the fundamentals. I spend hours working on Nritta (pure dance), focusing on the mechanics of each movement. For example, exploring uncommon cycles like Taal Shikar (17 beats) or Taal Dhamaar (14 beats) forces me to rethink my approach to space and time. It is not always pretty. Sometimes I wobble, my feet get tired, and I have to stop to rethink the entire composition. That is simply the nature of the art.
My approach to Kathak training
I believe that every student, regardless of level, needs to understand the 'why' behind the movement. In my online and in-person workshops, we replicate this environment. We focus on:
- Sawal-Jawab: This is a crucial part of our training. You ask, I explain. We break down complex movements into smaller, manageable parts.
- Technical Drills: From the mechanics of your chakkars to the clarity of your tatkar, we work on the specific physical issues that hold you back.
- Expression (Abhinay): Understanding the soul of a Thumri or the character archetype is just as important as the footwork.
If you have been struggling with your practice or simply want to understand the foundations of Kathak, this is where we start.
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