Kathak Workshop by Pt. Jai Kishan Maharaj

 

Birju Maharaj Parampara is a registered society founded in 2003, by Pandit Jai Kishan Maharaj (elder son of the legendary Kathak maestro, Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj), and his wife, Smt. Ruby Mishra. It has been founded with the objective of imparting Kathak training in its purest form. The Parampara follows the traditions of the Lucknow Gharana. The Parampara nurtures its disciples in the true Guru –Shishya Parampara. The institute is affiliated to Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh.

 

The following highly distinguished artistes have a kind support to serve as Birju Maharaj Parampara's Patrons: Smt. Girja Devi, Pt. Rajan Mishra, Pt. Sajan Mishra, Pt. Kumar Bose, Sh. Ismail Darbar, Pt. Debu Choudhury.

 

Birju Maharaj Parampara hereby proposes 8 Days Kathak Workshop by Pt. Jai Kishan Maharaj.

 

About Pt. Jai KIshan Maharaj: Elder Son of the great maestro Padma Vibhusan Pandit Birju Maharaj, he imbibed the art of Kathak with great devotion since early childhood. Even though dancing is his first love, he also has an excellent command over Hindustani classical music and playing all kind of drums like Tabla, Pakhawaj. He took Kathak to new heights by choreographing new Kathak dance dramas. He has toured extensively across the globe, given thousands of performances and held hundreds of workshops for kathak students.

 

 

 

The Curriculum

 

With these types of workshops, the students are initiated into the world of classical dance where they understand the basics of Kathak, the origin and its roots.

 

Kathak has been one of the oldest dance forms of India with its roots mentioned in the holy book of Ramayana and has evolved since then into a diverse form of art.

 

 During these days of initiation the students will be given theoretical as well as practical knowledge of Kathak. The topics covered are:

 

Ø  Theoretical Knowledge:

o   Kathak – Origin and roots:

In our ancient and traditional beliefs, freedom of self expression through discipline is path of spirituality. Our traditional and classical forms of art have always taken us to an elevated level of spirituality and this connection infuses our souls with immense fulfillment. India’s well known North Indian classical dance form ‘kathak’ is among the anthology of varied established cultural art forms. Birju Maharaj Parampara endeavours to bestow the true meaning and discipline of “Kathak” to its students and carry on the legacy forward.

 

o   The eras of Kathak.

·         Mandir Kaal

·         Mughal Kaal

·         Rangmanch Kaal

 

 

Ø  Practical Knowledge:

o   Basics –

·         Tatkaar (4 types)

·         Hand gestures and movements

·         Utpatti, Samapad, Samaputt

·         Urdha Hasta Chakra, Madhya Hasta Chakra,   Tal    Hasta Chakra, Urdha Hasta Kon Suchita, Madhya Hasta Kon Suchita, Tal Hasta Kon Suchita, Chanwar, Samatal, Kon,  Puskpak, Strot, Jal Bhramari, Ardh Aalingan, Ardh Meen, Meen and Lau Shikha.

 

o   Pirouettes (7 types)

 

o   Intermediate – Knowledge of Vilambit and Madhya laya.

·         Natwari

·         Aamad

·         Chalan