The Melbourne Kathak Academy
Our Training Approach
Our approach balances rigorous discipline with artistic exploration. We guide students through a progressive journey—from the rhythmic foundations of Kathak to the intricate nuances of professional performance—ensuring each artist discovers their own unique voice within this ancient classical form.
Teaching is tailored to the needs and level of the individual person. Depending on your previous experience in dance, training can be refined.
The creative yet sequential movements of 'Nritta ang'(technical part) will be combined with the expressions and intricate movements from 'abhinaya ang' (expressions part).
Through continuous learning, you will be:
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Exploring the movements and stillness in Kathak while understanding the sensitivity behind each movement
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Learning rhythmic patterns, practice vocalization and movement vocabulary
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Learning the history, philosophy and theoretical aspects of Kathak
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Exploring Emotional Expressivity through 'Navrasas' (moods) reflecting the complete essence of life
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Exploring all aspects of Kathak including intense footwork, body postures, movement and pirouettes
At each step you will be encouraged to use your own creativity to individualise your own dance.
Classes are open to all age groups and are personally conducted by Sanchita Abrol
Focusing on the purity of footwork—Tatkar—and the essential geometric postures (Angas). Students build the essential strength and rhythmic precision required for the classical Kathak form.
Transitioning into complex rhythmic cycles (Taals), rapid pirouettes (Chakkars), and the delicate art of Abhinaya—narrative expression through hand gestures and facial movements.
Repertoire – Professionals Ready to Perform
The culmination of years of discipline. Focus on intricate nuances, mastery of tempo, and the preservation of historical depth in professional productions.
- Intricate rhythmic sequence mastery
- Artisanal storytelling & historical nuance
- Professional performance stage presence
Novice Stage
Intermediate Stage
Novice Stage
The journey begins with the cultivation of discipline and the mastery of basic technical foundations. Students are introduced to the grammar of Kathak, focusing on the essential structures of rhythm and physical expression.
- Introduction to Tatkar (Basic Footwork)
- Mastery of fundamental Mudras (Hand Gestures)
- Understanding the Teental (16-beat cycle) structure
- Emphasis on torso posture and classical grace
Intermediate Stage
The Intermediate Stage transitions students from foundational patterns to the intricate artistry of Abhinaya. At this level, the focus intensifies on technical precision, rhythmic complexity, and the nuanced delivery of storytelling through Mudra and grace.
Dancers work on advanced Tatkar (footwork) and Chakkars (spins), weaving them into sophisticated compositions that demand both physical stamina and emotional depth.
- Advanced Rhythmic Patterns (Layakari)
- Exploring the 'Navrasas' (moods)
- Expressive Storytelling (Abhinaya)
- Complex Footwork Mastery
- Ashtapadi and Thumri Interpretation
This in-depth training will prepare you for your ‘Rang Manch Pravesh’ (Graduation). Those who have mastered all aspects of Kathak will be offered the opportunity to complete a Rang Manch Pravesh.
Professional Readiness
Repertoire – Professionals Ready to Perform
This stage is for people with advanced training in Kathak. Here we will equip you with professional choreography skills to enable you to narrate your own stories through Kathak. You will be given opportunities to perform group choreographies with the repertoire group. The Repertoire stage marks the culmination of the training journey, where technical precision meets high-performance artistry.
Artists at this level represent the academy on international stages, mastering both traditional solo cycles and contemporary ensemble works.
Performance Criteria:
• Complete rhythmic command of tala cycles
• Nuanced abhinaya and character transformation
• Mastery of lightning-fast footwork and spins
• Artistic leadership and collaborative stage presence
Online Training Also Available
Geography is no barrier to mastering the art of Kathak. Students across Australia and internationally can now join our live online classes, bringing the rigor and grace of classical training directly into their homes through a seamless digital experience.
Our virtual curriculum mirrors our studio sessions exactly. Whether you are at the Novice, Intermediate, or Repertoire stage, you will progress through the same comprehensive technical foundations, rhythmic cycles, and narrative expressions as our in-person students.
Every session remains deeply personalized. Sanchita Abrol ensures that each online student receives real-time feedback and individual corrections, maintaining the artisanal standard of traditional training while adapting to the modern convenience of digital learning.
Core Principle
"Inspired by the Wisdom of Classical Sources"