* Please note, this class is IN-PERSON only *
Kathak, a north Indian classical dance form, can be traced back to 2000 years and is referred to in the ancient Sanskrit text of performing arts by Bharata Muni, called ‘Natya Shastra’. The term Kathak is derived from Vedic Sanskrit word Katha meaning "story", and kathaka meaning "he who tells a story". Its origin is attributed to the traveling bards of ancient northern India, known as Kathakars or storytellers, who communicated stories from the great epics and ancient mythology through dance, songs, and music in a manner similar to early Greek theatre. Kathak is found in three distinct forms, called "gharanas", named after the cities, where the Kathak dance tradition evolved – Jaipur, Banaras and Lucknow.
ABOUT THE TEACHERS - AMUN BHACHU AND ABHINAV MISHRA
AMUN BHACHU
Amun Bhachu trained as a student at The Bhavan under Pandit Abhay Shankar Mishra Ji. Dedicated to the Guru Shishya Parampara (Teacher - Discipline tradition), Amun started her journey in Kathak Dance over 10 years ago under his guidance. After completing her Diploma and Post Diploma, she then went on to present her Kathak Rang Manch Pravesh (solo debut performance) in 2018.
In addition, Amun works Full Time as a Services Advisor for Care Connect London Ltd, a visiting eye care company. For the past 2 years, Amun has now been teaching at the Bhavan with the desire to share her passion and support students in their authentic Kathak Dance journey ahead.
“My sense of purpose is connected to people and being able to inspire others through dance is my aim”, Amun Bhachu.
ABHINAV MISHRA
Abhinav belongs to a family of classical arts, with both his parents being Kathak maestros and his family generations of over 200 years mastering the tradition of Hindustani classical dance and music. Since his early childhood, Abhinav was trained under the tutelage of both his parents, Pt. Abhay Shankar Mishra, a former teacher who has taught at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan for over 15 years. Kakoli Shankar Mishra, his mother, was the resident Kathak teacher at Pandit Ram Sahai Sangit Vidalaya. His first encounter with Kathak was at the ripe age of 4. Since then he has grown to be extremely passionate with Kathak and has performed at many places since then.
He is trained in all three major gharanas of Kathak: Lucknow, Jaipur and Benaras. Abhinav has completed his Post Diploma in Kathak from Bhavan as well as a Certificate in Performing in Kathak from PRSSV. Maintaining his love for Kathak, he also has sound knowledge of Tabla whilst also learning Mridangam by Sri M. Balachandar in Bhavan. He is currently undergoing his Bachelor's Degree for Technical Theatre and Stage Management under London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art .
THEY WILL BE TEACHING THE LUCKNOW GHARANA.
