Has over 25 years of experience in performing and teaching Kathak dance.
Nritya Bharati School of Kathak Dance is located in Sunnybank Hills, Brisbane. The school offers classes in Indian classical Kathak dance, which is considered one of the six major classical dances of India. Kathak is known for its dynamic storytelling through dance, music, and mime.
The history of Kathak can be traced back to ancient India, where storytellers known as Kathakaars would entertain and educate through their performances. They would bring life to great scriptures and epics such as the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and the Puranas of Sanskrit literature. The movements of hands, body, and facial expressions used by these storytellers gave birth to the dance style of Kathak.
The dance style of Kathak can be divided into Nritya and Abhinaya, which represent the movements in the dance, and Tandava and Lasya, which represent the rhythmic patterns played on the tabla or executed by the feet. Kathak is known for its intricate footwork and the graceful usage of circles.
Nritya Bharati School of Kathak Dance offers a range of themes and compositions for its students to explore. This includes Slokas in Sanskrit or Hindi for Vandana (prayer), Devotional songs (Bhajan) for Hindu gods and goddesses, light classical songs such as Thumri and Dadra, pure classical songs like Paran and Tukda, and dance drama compositions chosen from the epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Students also have the opportunity to learn and perform any classical musical composition.
In terms of costumes, Kathak dance has two main styles: Muslim and Hindu. The Muslim style for women includes Peshwar (with a lot of layered volume), Chooridar, Pyjama, Jacket, ehunmi, and topi, while men wear Chooridar pyjama, angrakka, dupatta, and topi. The Hindu style for women includes Ghagra and Choli (blouse) with Odni, and men wear a long Kurta and Chooridar with Dupatta wrapped around their waist.
The Nritya Bharati School of Kathak Dance was established in 2000 by Namita Debroy with the mission of preserving Indian culture and presenting it to the wider community. Namita herself started studying Kathak dance at a young age and has since gained extensive experience in both performing and teaching. Since its inception, the school has earned a positive reputation for its excellence in teaching and showcasing India's traditional arts.
Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics of Kathak dance or an experienced dancer wanting to further refine your skills, Nritya Bharati School of Kathak Dance offers a supportive and inclusive environment for all. With experienced instructors, a rich cultural heritage, and a passion for promoting Indian classical dance, Nritya Bharati School of Kathak Dance is the perfect place to nurture your love for dance and explore the beauty of Kathak.