North India · Benaras gharana
Kathak
Classical storytelling
Derived from katha, the art of storytelling. Kathak conveys ancient stories through mudra, facial expression, and footwork, accompanied by ghungroo and tabla.
Origin / tradition
The form
Kathak finds its roots in the times of Lord Rama and is one of the most popular classical dances performed in India. Storytellers, or kathaks, used this style to narrate the stories of Gods and Goddesses in temples. Later the form also became entertainment for a wider public. A Kathak performance is divided into nrit, the dance aspect, and the emoting aspect. Houses or gharanas include Lucknow, Benaras, and Jaipur.
At Guiding Star Productions the style of Kathak taught adheres to the Benaras gharana. Originating in Varanasi, this gharana has been acclaimed for preserving the purity of Kathak. It does not emphasize speed of steps; it focuses on slow, beautifully executed movements with moderate tempo and precision. The school offers a 4 year Kathak course, with an optional further 2 years toward a Masters degree, also called Rang Pravesham.
In the studio
What students encounter
Hand movements called mudra
Facial expressions referred to as gadhbhav
Footwork with ghungroo, set to the tabla
The slower, precise Benaras style rather than speed for its own sake
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Contact
Visit the school
Guiding Star Productions teaches in Pittsburgh’s North Hills and South Hills. Write or call using the details published on the existing website.