Kathak

Kathak is one of the eight classical dance styles of India and is one of the most theatrical and dynamic art forms in the world. Kathak is derived from the word katha, meaning a story, as it can be used to recount mythological, royal and contemporary histories through dance. It also uniquely combines aesthetics from both Muslim and Hindu cultures of Asia. There are three major styles or gharanas of Kathak: Lucknow, Jaipur and Benares. We teach the Lucknow style.

The reason to study Kathak varies for each student.
M-DO/KathakToronto, first and foremost a dance training institution, strives to create a holistic and inclusive community.  Here students can come for exercise and recreation, to improve their understanding of North Indian music, rhythm and its traditional environment, and improve their overall well-being. Students may desire to become professional dancers, and will, through guidance and personal practise, develop a deeper understanding of this codified classical dance form. We offer different class levels to facilitate these goals.

M-DO/KathakToronto is dedicated to keeping classes at very affordable rates. All our classes are 1.5 hours in length and are supported with supplementary in-class video when necessary.  To remain sustainable, beginning in September 2024,  our class cost is $25/class. If you attend two or more classes/week, the rate/class reduces. We also offer a family rate for two or more members of the immediate family.

Payment for classes is by the term only,  no individual class payment available. It is required at the beginning of each term. If you know you will be missing some classes due to travel or work, you may deduct them off your total term cost at the time of payment.

Should a student miss class, they are required to leave a message on the Whats App class group. A student can attend  make up classes within the same session, in lieu of the the missed class. We do not offer refunds.

If M-DO/KathakToronto must cancel a class for any reason, we will contact the students through their Whats App class group, and/or email. These classes will be credited to the students.

M-DO/KathakToronto offers kathak classes year round. Our terms are generally 8-12 weeks in length, to allow for ease of payment and for personal time scheduling.  These term sessions run back to back.  Our Summer term is for the month of July only, and August is off each year.

This beautiful dance form brings with it many cultural and artistic influences.
The most important piece of etiquette is to arrive ON TIME, to start your class and to be in proper class attire, as a token of respect to your community of dancers and the teacher. 
Classes begin with Pranaam/Salaam, a ritual focusing of the mind. (All other nuances will be made clear during the class sessions)

We request a simple dress code of cotton shalwar kameez or kurta and pants. If you do not have these, students should wear loose fitting clothing that allows for free movement of the body. Kathak requires bare feet only and hair must be tied back away from the face. No jeans or shorts please.

What are ghunghroo? Should I bring my own ghungroo? When should I start wearing ghungroo?
Ghungroo are the strings of brass bells worn around the ankles, by kathak dancers. Beginning students do not wear ghungroo. They are used only after the student demonstrates an understanding of the basic rhythms that enable them to become a musical instrument as well a dancer. Once this has been achieved, and at the teacher's discretion, students wear ghungroo for all classes and performances.
Professional quality Kathak ghungroo are available through our institution, and upon receiving the ghungroo, students are encouraged to formally honour the wearing of them in a special ceremony that is open to family and friends.

M-DO/KathakToronto presents the annual student recital Traditions Alive, where all students get a chance to perform in a professional setting. We present these recitals each December. These performances offer students the opportunity to build important life skills such as planning, preparation, team building and execution in a community environment. The performances are geared to give the student a deep sense of pride and accomplishment.  On an ad hoc basis, various community performance opportunities may also arise.
With time, desire, commitment and ability, a student may choose to audition for our professional CHHANDAM Dance Company.

At M-DO/KathakToronto, we follow the philosophy of the late Pandit Chitresh Das, whereby class curriculum and expectations set a standard  for personal growth and achievement, community building, and joy through living an artistic path at any level.  There is really no end or ‘graduation’ as such since this is a life-long learning process.  However, our teachers are committed to giving ongoing personal feedback to students.   *In-person, solo presentations (10-20 minutes in length) offer students an opportunity to demonstrate their learning, as well as identify specific skills needing room for improvement. * 

On-line classes are supplemented with practise video at the discretion of each teacher. Through M-DO/KathakToronto,  all learning is experienced in a constructive and collaborative environment, between the teacher and the student.