Course Details

Kathak Dance

Bestseller ★ 4.85/5 415+ enrolled

Why Choose Online Kathak Dance Classes?

Live, interactive 1:1 or small-group classes - the guru sees and corrects every movement in real time.

Experienced gurus from the traditional gharanas (for Kathak), schools (Kalakshetra for Bharatanatyam) or contemporary backgrounds.

Three-level structured progression - Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced - mapped to the traditional grading systems.

Theory + practice in every class - history, mythology, taala, raga and the cultural depth of the dance form.

Periodic recitals where parents can attend and see progress.

Choreographed performance pieces aligned to your child's level - from simple Alarippu to a full Margam.

Costume guidance - what to wear, when to invest in salangai (anklets), saree, jewellery.

Flexible scheduling across time zones - USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, UAE, GCC, India.

Free demo class so you can meet the guru and see the teaching style before you commit.

Recorded sessions available for missed group classes - the guru reviews your practice video and gives written feedback.

Overview

Kathak is a classical Indian dance form originating in the northern region of India - known for intricate footwork, subtle expressions and graceful movements. WinQuest delivers it live online 1:1 or in small groups across three progressive levels - Beginner (basic techniques and rhythms), Intermediate (jathis, ginti, tihai) and Advanced (gat-bhav, kavittas, full performance). Tutors trained in the Lucknow and Jaipur gharanas.

What You'll Learn

Live interactive sessions
1st one-on-one session
Comprehensive curriculum
No long-term commitment
Personalized learning plan

Beginner

Age 7+ 40 hrs

Module 1: Introduction to Kathak

History - origins as a storytelling dance form; the three gharanas - Lucknow, Jaipur, Banaras
Hand gestures (hastas), eye movements, posture (sama, ardh-sama)
Bol - the spoken syllables that match each movement

Module 2: Basic Footwork

Tatkar - basic foot taps in Teen taal (16 beats)
Pose at the end of each phrase (samaapan)
Counting bols - Ta, Tha, Thai

Module 3: Taala Basics

Teen taal - 16 matras (beats) - the most common kathak taala
Recognising sam (first beat) and tali (clap beats)
Basic hand-counting (taali)

Module 4: First Composition

Vandana - the opening invocation to Lord Ganesha
Simple thaat - the stationary opening pose
Practice with taali counting

Module 5: Performance & Practice

Stage etiquette - namaskar before and after dancing
First short Kathak performance
Sharing with family

Intermediate

Age 10+ 60 hrs

Module 1: Jathis & Rhythmic Patterns

Jathis - rhythmic phrases set to taala
Tisra (3), Chatusra (4), Khanda (5), Misra (7) jaathis
Composing a simple jathi

Module 2: Tihai - The Threefold Phrase

Tihai - a phrase repeated 3 times to land on sam
Small, medium and big tihai variations
Using tihai to conclude a kavitt or tukda

Module 3: Ginti & Counting

Ginti - counting compositions where syllables become numbers
Padant - reciting bols to taali clearly
Speed variations - vilambit (slow), madhya (medium), drut (fast)

Module 4: Intermediate Compositions

Aamad - the entry pieces
Tukda - short rhythmic items
Paran - rhythmic items with pakhawaj-style bols

Module 5: Abhinaya Introduction

Expressive dance through facial expressions and body language
Simple gat (poses) depicting characters and stories
Bhava (emotion) and rasa (mood)

Advanced

Age 13+ 80 hrs

Module 1: Gat-Bhav & Storytelling

Gat-bhav - storytelling through poses and gestures
Depicting characters from Mahabharata, Ramayana, Krishna leela
Sustained abhinaya - holding one emotion across several minutes

Module 2: Kavitt & Padhant

Kavitt - poetic verses set to dance
Padhant - reciting bols and performing simultaneously
Memorising 4-6 kavitts and tukdas

Module 3: Thumri & Bhajan

Thumri - semi-classical light-classical compositions
Bhajan - devotional songs interpreted through dance
Combining nritta (pure dance) with abhinaya

Module 4: Full Performance

Structure - Vandana, Aamad, Thaat, Tukde, Tihai, Gat-bhav, Tarana, Bhajan
Performance of a 45-minute Kathak concert
Stage make-up, costume, jewellery

Module 5: Continuing Path

Preparing for the Arangetram debut
Teacher / choreographer training options
Continuing into the Visharad / Nritya Visharad pathways

Requirements

A laptop or desktop with stable internet and a clear webcam
Space to dance - at least 6 ft x 6 ft of uncarpeted floor
Kathak ghungroos (anklet bells) - recommended from intermediate level
Notebook for taala and bol notes

Reviews

4.85 / 5 ★ · 415+ students enrolled

Parents consistently rate our mentors for personalised attention, clear concepts and steady progress. Book a free demo to experience a class first-hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started?

Click the Book a Demo button on this page. Tell us your child's age and any previous dance experience; we will schedule a free trial session with a matching guru. For details, contact our coordinator on WhatsApp at +91 93308 11581 or email contact@winquestonline.com.

My child has never danced before. Is that ok?

Absolutely. Our Beginner level assumes no prior experience. The guru will start with posture, warm-up, basic steps and gestures and build up step by step. Most students start without any background and progress beautifully.

What space and equipment do we need at home?

A space of at least 6 ft x 6 ft of uncarpeted floor (wood or tile) is ideal. A laptop or tablet with a clear webcam so the guru can see the full body. Comfortable practice clothes. For intermediate levels, the guru will recommend salangai (anklets) - we will guide you on where to source them.

How does payment work?

We require monthly advance payments for the number of classes scheduled in that calendar month. We accept Zelle, PayPal, UPI (for India), Stripe and major credit / debit cards.

What if my child misses a class?

For 1:1 sessions we reschedule a make-up at a mutually convenient time at no extra cost (with at least 24 hours notice). For group classes we share a timed recording so your child can catch up before the next class.

How long is each class?

Each class session is 60 minutes long for academic dance levels. Frequency is typically twice a week for beginners, three times a week for intermediate and advanced students preparing for performances.

Will my child be able to perform?

Yes. By the end of Beginner level, students perform Alarippu. By Intermediate they can perform Jathiswaram, Shabdam and short Padams. Advanced students prepare a full Margam and can sit for an Arangetram debut. We organise virtual recitals for parents.

Is there a certification at the end?

Yes. We issue a WinQuest completion certificate after each level. Students can also be prepared for the formal certification exams of state boards (Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board, TN State Board Dance Examination, Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya etc.) on request.

Are the gurus qualified?

All our gurus have at least 10 years of performance experience and formal training from a recognised institution (Kalakshetra, Sangeet Natak Akademi, etc. depending on the dance form). Each guru is interviewed by our cultural-arts head before joining.

What are the requirements?

A laptop / desktop with a clear webcam and stable internet, an uncarpeted dance space, comfortable practice attire, a notebook for theory notes, and an open mind. The guru will provide a more detailed checklist before the first class.