Katthak

 

Katthak 

Hello all, I am Afiya!

As you all know we learned process of composting. We learn science in school but we cannot understand all concepts of science just by mere reading but practical knowledge is also necessary.  I think the practical knowledge we gained while doing composting is better. I understand, in the era of technology along with studies, we should have more skills and hobbies that will help us to enhance our personality.

Now we are learning Classical dance which is a liking of many of us. We were not very knowledgeable about classical dance but we attended one dance performance, “Rochana – The Lotus Blooms”. It was an Indian Classical Dance performance. Guru Shumita Mahajan and her senior students of Sadhana Nrutyalaya presented this dance performance. The entire theme of the program was the journey of challenges which woman faces from the womb of the mother to the adulthood.  It was the first time when I and my friends saw classical dance on the big stage. We were surprised to see the participants changing their attire so fast that is within a few minutes. We were impressed by the facial expressions, the hand and feet movements of the participants. Most of the part of the performance was based on classical “Bol” (beats) and that was very new for us. We saw the whole performance very carefully and we were amazed by their coordination and  grace.

Later Ms. Amita Sponsor of the, one of the friend, told us the history of dance forms to us, and she also taught 3 steps of classical dance (Katthak) to us. Ms. Amita performed Tarana for us. These activities brought more curiosity about the dance in us.

After attending all these programs, we started learning dance. Shradha Tai prepared a plan for us. One dance teacher, Tulasi Tai, began coming to our Gully Lab group regularly for one hour with aim of teaching us classical dance and to prepare us for the short performance. We were enjoying this learning. Dance is fun but it is tough also.  After very unsuccessful attempts and lots of practice we learned Chakkar, Tatkars and Mudras.

The journey of learning dance was mesmerizing. Along with dance, we learned the importance of patience and consistency. Dance practice was also like a daily workout routine to us.

My friend Vaishnavi says, “I am a very bad dancer, initially it was very hard for me to do basic steps, I was very scared to do Chakkar, but now I like it very much!”

Akanksha was very excited to learn dance and she was always ready to miss her extra lectures for dance practice. Sakshi said, “Dancing is my passion and I loved to do it.” Lata loves dancing and she is an amazing dancer but sometimes she gets bored with classical dance because she loves to do free style dancing.

We all were busy in studies, tuitions, schools and extra classes. But Dance gave us an opportunity to refresh our lifestyle, mood and mind.

So, everything was going great, we were doing dance practice every day, we were enjoying dancing but then corona entered into our lives. And our wish of performing in front of our friends has postponed.

But still, we are doing online practice under guidance of Amitatai. She is sending us small basic Kathak technique videos through YouTube link from USA. We are practicing Katthak at home but still we are looking forward for restarting of our group practice in person, so we can perform together in front of our family and friends.