Kathak Dancing

Aryav Anand | Kathak Dancer | Kalashram New Delhi

What is Kathak Dancing?

A Career in Kathak Dancing is very interesting. Almost everyone seems to be talking about How to start a Career in Kathak Dancing, while one should first develop an understanding of What is a Career in Kathak Dancing. The most authoritative source of information on Kathak Dancing is someone with real experience in it.

Kathak Dancer Aryav Anand has worked in Kathak Dancing for 15 years. Here is how Kathak Dancer Aryav Anand detailed Kathak Dancing:

The very meaning of the word Kathak, is to tell a tale. It is a tale that is expressed not through books but through the various body movements and expressions of a kathak dancer. Kathak is not just a subject it is a form of expression.

How Kathak Dancer Aryav Anand got into Kathak Dancing?

I attended and finished school at St Joseph's Academy, Dehradun. I am a CCRT Scholarship holder since 2012. I am also a Sangeet Natak Academi awardee in Kathak Dance. I attained my Visharad in Kathak Dance from Bhatkhande Sangit Vidyalaya, New Delhi. I am currently training under Pandit Birju Maharaj.

Kathak Dancer Aryav Anand's Talk on Kathak Dancing

Embracing the Art of Kathak: A Journey through Dance and Storytelling Kathak, a classical dance form from India, epitomizes the artistic blend of storytelling, rhythm, and movement. It’s more than mere choreography—it's an expression of history, culture, and personal sentiment. As more individuals seek creativity in their lives, Kathak serves as a powerful conduit for self-expression and connection to deeper roots. Inspired by the insights of Karthik Gandhi and the structured framework of this art form, we explore the nuances of mastering Kathak, highlighting its educational requirements, skillsets, the positive impact it has, and the challenges dancers often face. What Is Kathak The Essence of Storytelling Through Dance Kathak, deriving its name from the word 'Katha' which means "story," is characterized by intricate footwork, expressive gestures, and dramatic storytelling. Unlike many art forms where narratives are communicated through text or dialogue, Kathak embodies its stories entirely through movement. Dancers like Karthik emphasize that the essence of Kathak lies in how emotions and tales are conveyed through physical expression, transforming the body into a medium of narrative artistry. Education Nature The profound relationship between nature and dance plays a pivotal role in a Kathak dancer's education. As Karthik points out, observing creatures like deer or elephants teaches dancers about grace, elegance, and strength. For example, the way a deer walks or a peacock dances intricately in the rain can inspire fluidity and poise in a dancer's movements. Nature serves as a silent mentor, offering invaluable lessons in rhythm and grace that are crucial for developing a dancer's personal style. Mentor & Guru The importance of a mentor cannot be overstated in the world of Kathak. Karthik’s journey is testimony to this; he credits his teachers, including the esteemed Pandit Vishnu Maharaj, with shaping his artistic perspective. A good mentor provides not only technical skills but also emotional and philosophical guidance, enabling students to connect deeply with the art form. In Kathak, the guru-disciple relationship is foundational, fostering an environment of learning that transcends mere instruction. Ancient Stories Knowledge of ancient stories and mythologies enriches a dancer's performance. Karthik highlights that stories from Hindu mythology—and even those from other religions—inform the imagery and character portrayal in Kathak. These narratives shape dancers’ interpretations and enhance their ability to communicate complex emotions. A performance is thus a tapestry woven with threads of history, culture, and philosophical insight, inviting audiences to engage with narratives that have shaped society. Mughal Empire The influence of the Mughal Empire on Kathak cannot be overlooked, as it amalgamated Persian and Indian styles, enriching the dance form’s vocabulary. Historical accounts show that the Mughals patronized Kathak, allowing it to flourish as a form of royal entertainment. Karthik’s reflections on this era reveal how the Mughal influence injected a richness of emotion and complexity that continues to resonate in performances today. Science Lastly, Karthik mentions the scientific aspects involved in Kathak, particularly in understanding bodily movements and the physics behind dance. Mastering footwork and expressions requires a dancer to not only have artistry but also a grasp on physiology. Knowledge in this domain enables dancers to execute intricate sequences efficiently while minimizing the risk of injury, illustrating the synergy of art and science in Kathak performance. Skills Footwork Footwork is the foundation of Kathak, providing the rhythmic structure upon which all movements are built. Karthik illustrates this by stating that precision in foot placement allows for a intricate layering of beats that captivate audiences. Mastering this skill requires extensive practice and coordination, serving not only as a display of technique but also as an expression of one’s personal style and mastery over rhythm. Expressions Beyond technical prowess, expressing emotions is crucial in Kathak. Karthik conveys that movement must connect with feelings, turning the body into a canvas for emotions. A dancer’s expressions—conveyed through facial gestures and eye movements—invite the audience into the story being told. This emotional connection is what transforms a performance into an experience, allowing viewers to relate to the dancer on a personal level. Body Movements Every body movement in Kathak signifies deeper meanings, adding layers to what is being performed on stage. Karthik stresses the importance of body awareness; understanding how each component of movement resonates defines a dancer’s ability to create impactful narratives. This spatial awareness of one's body helps in crafting performances that resonate beyond mere aesthetic appeal, fostering deeper connections with audiences. Wrist Movements The subtlety of wrist movements is an often-overlooked aspect of Kathak that adds grace and fluidity. According to Karthik, these movements can convey intricate details in storytelling, enhancing the overall elegance of a performance. When synchronized with footwork and expressions, they create a comprehensive visual narrative, making every gesture significant and intentional. Practice & Hardwork Dance, much like any other art form, demands relentless practice and dedication. Karthik's journey tells us that achieving mastery in Kathak requires discipline—a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. Each rehearsal reinforces technique and builds confidence, leading to performances that leave a lasting impression on audiences. Positives Personality Development Engaging in Kathak extends beyond the technical— it fosters personal growth. Karthik notes that through dance, individuals often find their voices, enhancing self-confidence and social skills. The discipline instilled through practice naturally translates into greater overall personality development, vital for personal and professional success in any field. Respect & Recognition A proficient Kathak dancer often garners respect and recognition within cultural and artistic communities. As Karthik highlights, his achievements, including accolades such as the Sangeet Natak Academy Gold Medal, open doors to new opportunities and elevate one’s standing in society. Recognition in this sphere not only serves as a testament to hard work but also inspires others to engage in similar artistic pursuits. Continuous Learning The journey of a Kathak dancer is one of perpetual learning. As expressed by Karthik, each performance and workshop serves as a new learning experience. This commitment to growth fosters a mindset that embraces challenges and seeks knowledge, enabling dancers to remain relevant and adapt to evolving artistic expressions. Exposure Performing across various platforms offers dancers like Karthik invaluable exposure to diverse audiences and styles. This interaction not only enhances their adaptability but also enriches their performances with new ideas and techniques, thereby broadening their artistic horizons. Spiritual Knowledge Lastly, practicing Kathak often leads to profound spiritual experiences. For Karthik, dance acts as a medium of connection with something greater—be it the divine or the universe at large. This spiritual aspect can be deeply fulfilling, providing a sense of purpose and belonging that transcends the physical act of dancing. Challenges Work Life Balance Like many artistic professions, Kathak poses challenges in maintaining a work-life balance. The demands of rigorous practice and performances can often encroach on personal time, as highlighted by Karthik. Striking this balance is crucial not only for emotional well-being but also for sustaining one’s passion for the art. Isolation Dancers may also face feelings of isolation, especially when pursuing their art more intensely than their peers. Karthik's experiences echo the sentiment that while the performance stage can be a communal environment, the journey of mastering Kathak often feels solitary. Building a support network is essential to counteract these feelings, ensuring that dancers remain connected and motivated. Practice The repetitive nature of practice can lead to burnout if not managed correctly. Karthik insightfully points out that constant training, while necessary, must be balanced with breaks and periods of creativity to prevent losing the joy of dancing. Career Risk Pursuing Kathak as a career entails a degree of risk, particularly given the fluctuating nature of the arts industry. Karthik emphasizes preparedness and strategic planning as essential components of fostering a sustainable career. Artists must remain adaptable to changing market dynamics, maintaining their artistic relevance and financial stability. Distractions In a world brimming with distractions, maintaining focus on the art can be a significant challenge. Karthik suggests that dedication to dance and an unwavering passion are instrumental in overcoming these obstacles, urging aspiring dancers to remain steadfast in their pursuit. A Day Of Kathak: A Dancer's Routine Karthik’s day as a Kathak dancer is filled with dedicated practices, rehearsals, and performances, often complemented by workshops and mentoring sessions. From the moment he wakes, the rhythm of Kathak defines his schedule, balancing practice, physical conditioning, and mental preparations for performances. Each day offers new opportunities for growth, learning, and connection with both the art form and those who appreciate it. The demanding routine instills discipline and cultivates a rich tapestry of experiences that feed into his performances, ensuring that he embodies the spirit of Kathak in every movement. --- In conclusion, Kathak is not merely a dance but a vibrant expression of storytelling and cultural heritage. Through the commitment of artists like Karthik Gandhi, Kathak continues to evolve while holding firm to its rich traditions. Every dancer's journey in this art form is as unique as the stories they tell, embodying personal growth, cultural connection, and the transformative power of expression. As one traverses this path, the rewards—be they artistic achievement, personal enlightenment, or community recognition—are profound and enduring, making Kathak a cherished endeavor for generations to come.

Install the LifePage App to:

(for Free) Watch Kathak Dancer Aryav Anand’s full Kathak Dancing Career Talk

₹ Do a Self Assessment on Kathak Dancing to calculate your Dream Index, which is defined as:

According to Aryav Anand your chances of success in Kathak Dancing is __%

Access your personalized Dream Index Report which will have all your Dream Indices sorted in descending order.

How to get into

Kathak Dancing?

If you are want to get into Kathak Dancing, start by investing in a Career Plan.

The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in Kathak Dancing is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.

Next, your Career Advisor will help you document how you can get into Kathak Dancing, what education and skills you need to succeed in Kathak Dancing, and what positives and challenges you will face in Kathak Dancing.

Finally, you will get a Career Plan stating which Courses, Certifications, Trainings and other Items you need to do in the next 7 years to become world’s best in Kathak Dancing.

LifePage Career Plan

14 hour personalized guidance program

Your LifePage Career Advisor facilitates your guided introspection so that you systematically explore various Career options to arrive at a well thought out Career choice.

Next: your Advisor helps you figure out how you will get into your chosen Career and how will you develop the skills needed for success in your Chosen Career.

LifePage Plan will not stop at saying "to become an Architect study Architecture". It will guide you on which Certifications, Trainings and Other items you need to do along with your Architecture education to become the world's best Architect.

Links for this Talk

Kathak Dancer Aryav Anand's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/aryavanand

LifePage Career Talk on Kathak Dancing

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/kathak-dancing-1

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20170626-0003

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E73F-WV4ZYQ

(Kathak, Aryav Anand, Kalashram New Delhi, dance, arts, performance, stage, music, classical)

Similar Talks

Dancing

Raghav Juyal
Dancer | Various Dance Shows

[ 6 years Experience ]

Dance is a performing art form consisting of purposefully selected sequences of human movement. This movement has aesthetic and symbolic value, and is acknowledged as dance by performers and observers within a particular culture. Dance can be categorized and described by its choreography, by its repertoire of movements, or by its historical period or place of origin.

"I am born in a Garhwali family from Dehradun, Uttarakhand. I am an Indian Dancer, Choreographer, Anchor and Actor. I am also known as Crockroaxz describing my dancing style which is an amalgamation of being powerful like a crocodile and creepy like a cockroach. I have participated in various TV and Stage Dance shows."

Dancing

Ria Gusain
Dancer | SDC Dance Academy

[ 4 years & 11 months Experience ]

Dance is a performance art form consisting of purposefully selected sequences of human movement. Dancing is way to express yourself in a best way and dancing is what that makes you happy in every situation.

"After completing my MSc in Stats, I did 6 months dancing course from Beat Breaker Dance Institute, Dehradun. Currently I am working as a dancer & choreographer at SDC Dance Academy."

Exotic Pole Dancing

Michelle Echeverria
Independent Dancer | Freelancing

[ 1 year & 6 months Experience ]

Exotic pole dance combines dance and acrobatics centered on a vertical pole. This performance art form takes place not only in gentleman's clubs as erotic dance, but has also recently gained popularity as a mainstream form of fitness, practiced by many enthusiasts in gyms and in dedicated dance studios.

"After discovering my deep passion for pole dancing as a sport and performance art, I decided to take it up as a profession in 2017. Currently, I work as a freelancing pole dancer and fitness coach."

Kathak Dancing

Dolly Goyal
Kathak Dancer | Dance With Dolly

[ 10 years Experience ]

Kathak is one of the ten major forms of Indian classical dance. The origin of Kathak is traditionally attributed to the traveling bards of ancient northern India, known as Kathakars or storytellers.

"After completing my graduation, I started my Kathak Education from Bhatkhande Sangeet Vidyalaya. I have been teaching Kathak since 2007 and still learning."

Choreography

Harshit Gupta
Owner & Choreographer | Vibrations - The Dance Studio

[ 11 years Experience ]

Choreography or dance direction, does not only deal with dance teaching, it involves everything required for dance groups and shows such as props, dancers, stage management, music, lights. When everything is combined together it becomes Choreography.

"After completing my 1 year dance training programme from Shiamak Dawar International, I started dancing and it has been 10 years as a dancer. I have performed for Zangoora, Kingdom of Dreams that is India's largest running Bollywood musical. I have also created and performed shows with Shiamak Dawar Dance Company. Currently, I run my own studio in Dehradun by the name of Vibrations- The Dance Studio."

Bharatnatyam Dancing

Veena Agarwal
Bharatnatyam Guru & Performer | Kanak Kala Kendra

[ 45 years & 11 months Experience ]

Bharatanatyam, sometimes referred to as Bharathanatiyam or Sadir, is a major genre of Indian classical dance that originated in Tamil Nadu. Traditionally, Bharatanatyam has been a solo dance that was performed exclusively by women, and expressed Hindu religious themes and spiritual ideas, particularly of Shaivism, but also of Vaishnavism and Shaktism.

"I am a Bharatnatyam Guru and a Performer. I have been learning Bharatnatyam since I was 4 years old and I have performed in various areas in India and Bangkok as well. I did a post graduate degree in Bharatnatyam from Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad. I am teaching at my institute in Kanak Kala Kendra in Rajendra Nagar where people of all ages come to learn Bharatnatyam."

Dance Therapy

Pio Campo
Director | International Centre of Dance Therapy

[ 28 years Experience ]

Dance Therapy is the psychotherapeutic use of movement and dance to support intellectual, emotional, and motor functions of the body.

"I am a dance therapist, educator, writer and actor. I have been a student of Mara Fux. For over ten-years I have been practising as a Dance therapist."

Dancing

Wilson Lakra
Dancer | Various Dancing Assignments

[ 15 years & 6 months Experience ]

The activity of dancing for pleasure or in order to entertain others.

"I did my schooling from Government Inter College, Dehradun. After my schooling I did my graduation from DAV Inter College. I started teaching dancing in 2003. I am working as a Dance Teacher in St Judes School, Dehradun. I also have a dance academy of my own where I teach children of all age groups."

Kathak Dancing

Ritika Chandola
Kathak Dancer | Ritiyangan Institite of Performing Arts

[ 10 years Experience ]

Kathak is the Hindustani name for one of the eight major forms of Indian classical dance. The origin of Kathak is traditionally attributed to the traveling bards of ancient northern India known as Kathakars or storytellers. The term Kathak is derived from the Vedic Sanskrit word Katha which means "story", and Kathakar which means "the one who tells a story", or "to do with stories

"I am Kathak Graduate and doing classical dance since 2006. I also teach Kathak in my own Dance Academy in Dehradun."

Dancing

Noopur Gupta
Director | Noopur Dance Academy

[ 24 years Experience ]

Dance is a performing art form consisting of purposefully selected sequences of human movement. Dance can be categorized and described by its choreography, by its repertoire of movements, or by its historical period or place of origin.

"After doing BA from AMU, I did LLB from HNB Garhwal University. I am a writer & poet. I am a Senior Advocate with District Consumer Form and State Commission for Consumer Disputes. I am the Director of Noopur Dance Academy and teach dance."