Introduction to Kathak- The indian Classical Dance

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Preface Dear Parents and Reader friends, My book "Nrutya Saurabh" was widely appreciated and it also earned the, 'Award for Literature' constituted by the Government of Maharashtra. This was followed by a constant demand by the Parents of my students and also my Friends and Well-wishers in the profession, to pen down a small book, in simple language, for the use of the young and the very young aspirants of Kathak dance, one thing is certain that, the young literate Parents of the present day are keen on developing the child's personality in all spheres. During this age of 'One Child norm', every Parent makes all possible effort to see that, their daughter/son forges ahead in life and earns a good name. An effort is made by the Parent to provide the child every available amenity, in order to achieve the set goals, which probably, they themselves were not able to achieve. Even after the child manages his studies and sports well, they wish that he/she should learn at least one of the Fine Arts, keeps lingering on their minds. With the advent of Television and its availability in every household, the child becomes a spectator of all. forms of dance, good and bad and when they start imitating certain film dance moves, which are not acceptable by any standards, the child needs to be enlightened upon the fa that "Dance is not what she witnesses on the TV screen. It in fact, demeans the very art of Dance," Marking the child's response to music and dance shown on the small screen, it is not enough for the parent to just admit the child to any dance class. It is immensely important that they asses the standard of the dance/music that is taught and ensure that it is the time-tested, vast, traditional dance/music form, the standard of which is highly elevated. To have this knowledge is not just the requirement, but is a necessity. It is not enough if a child attends one such class, could be Sitar, Tabla, Harmonium, Vocal music or Dancing, just because it is the fashion of the day, and that many others do so. During the process of learning the Art, Parents should not forget that the child's personality too is shaping up. To this end, it becomes imperative that the Parents enlighten themselves with the basic know-how of the Art form. It will do them good if they could go through the literature on the subject, available in the market.

Once training in any Fine Art starts in its classical form, it takes a period of time to attain mastery over it. During this journey the Teacher, the 'Guru' reveals to the student, step by step, the intricacies of the art. To understand the intrinsic beauty of the Art, the pupil needs to have seamless love for the art, inquisitiveness, studiousness, regular practice and immense faith in his Guru. Of course these things happen over a long period of time. The understanding and perfection is a long term goal. But for a beginner, knowledge of the basic things about the art, in other words, an introduction to the art becomes a necessity. The child needs to gain this knowledge, or if the child is too young, the Parent needs to gain this knowledge and pass it on to their off-spring. This ensures that the child does not get misguided or is not misinformed. If a parent is in a position to exactly analyse his child's inclination towards a particular Art and can create a conducive environment in which this Art can blossom, one cannot rule out the possibility, that an Artist of the highest order has taken birth in his house.

On receiving repeated requests by Parents, for one such Introductory' book on Kathak, I was truly pleased that, Parents are keenly observing this Art form. However, I have written this book keeping in mind my young Students and not the Parents. I would recommend 'Nrutya Saurabh', the other book authored by me, for the Parents. This book is ideal for the tiny-tots who are into their training for 1 or 2 years.

Cordiality prevails between us, with hopes that it enhances in leaps and bounds.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages