Beginner’s Guide to Kathak: Levels, Ghungroo, and Your First Month
Starting your Kathak journey can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re a parent considering dance classes for your child or an adult drawn to this beautiful classical art form, this guide will help you understand what Kathak is, how progression works, and what to expect in your first month at Shruti’s SOPA.
What is Kathak?
Kathak is one of India’s eight classical dance forms, originating from North India. The word “Kathak” comes from “katha,” meaning story, as this dance form was traditionally used to narrate tales from Hindu epics and Mughal court stories.
Key Elements of Kathak:
- Tatkaar – Rhythmic footwork patterns that form the foundation
- Chakkars – Spinning turns performed with grace and control
- Bols – Rhythmic syllables (ta, dhi, mi, ka) spoken and danced
- Abhinaya – Facial expressions and gestures that convey emotions
- Hastas – Hand gestures with specific meanings
What makes Kathak unique is its emphasis on rhythm, storytelling, and the intricate relationship between dance and music. Students learn to communicate with tabla players, respond to musical cues, and express complex emotions through movement.
Understanding Kathak Levels at Dance Studios
Most studios, including Shruti’s SOPA, organize classes by skill levels to ensure appropriate progression and learning pace.
Beginner/Foundation Level
Duration: 6-12 months
Focus Areas:
- Basic posture and alignment
- Simple tatkaar patterns in slow tempo
- Introduction to taali (clap) and khali (wave)
- Basic bols: ta, dhi, dhi, ta
- Elementary hand positions
- Simple walking patterns (chalan)
What You’ll Achieve: Comfort with basic rhythm, improved posture, and foundational coordination between hands and feet.
Elementary Level
Duration: 8-15 months
Focus Areas:
- Faster tatkaar combinations
- Introduction to simple compositions (tukras)
- Basic chakkars (1-2 rotations)
- Elementary abhinaya with simple emotions
- Coordination of bols with footwork
- Short dance sequences
What You’ll Achieve: Increased stamina, smoother movement transitions, and ability to perform short compositions.
Intermediate Level
Duration: 12-18 months
Focus Areas:
- Complex rhythmic patterns and variations
- Multiple chakkars with control
- Advanced compositions (parans, kavitts)
- Detailed abhinaya and storytelling
- Improvisation within rhythmic cycles
- Stage presence and performance skills
What You’ll Achieve: Confidence in solo performance, musical understanding, and expressive storytelling ability.
The Ghungroo Journey: When and Why
What Are Ghungroo?
Ghungroo are small brass bells sewn onto leather or fabric strips, worn around the ankles. They’re not just decorative—they serve important pedagogical purposes in Kathak training.
When Do Students Start Using Ghungroo?
Month 1-3: Building Foundation
Students practice without ghungroo to focus purely on:
- Clean footwork technique
- Proper weight distribution
- Clear rhythm without distraction
- Muscle memory development
Month 4-6: Introduction to Ghungroo
Ghungroo are introduced when students demonstrate:
- Consistent, clear tatkaar patterns
- Good balance and posture
- Ability to maintain rhythm independently
- Sufficient ankle strength
Why This Progression Matters:
- Prevents dependency on sound for rhythm
- Ensures clean technique before adding complexity
- Builds proper muscle strength gradually
- Develops internal rhythm sense
Choosing Your First Ghungroo
- Number of bells: Start with 75-100 bells per ankle for beginners
- Fit: Snug but comfortable, allowing full ankle movement
- Quality: Good resonance without being too loud for practice spaces
Your First Month: Week-by-Week Breakdown
Week 1: Foundation & Orientation
Class Focus:
- Introduction to Kathak history and basic concepts
- Proper standing posture (sat/sam sthiti)
- Basic walking patterns
- Introduction to taali-khali (beat cycles)
- Simple clapping exercises with counting
At Home Practice (10-15 minutes daily):
- Practice standing posture
- Count and clap simple 8-beat cycles
- Basic walking with straight back
What’s Normal: Feeling overwhelmed by new terminology, some muscle soreness in legs and back, difficulty coordinating clapping with counting.
Week 2: First Steps into Rhythm
Class Focus:
- Introduction to basic tatkaar: ta-dhi-mi-ta
- Slow-tempo footwork practice
- Basic hand positions (natural, on waist)
- Simple bols spoken without dance
At Home Practice (15-20 minutes daily):
- Practice basic tatkaar slowly
- Speak bols clearly: ta-dhi-dhi-ta
- Work on maintaining straight posture while moving feet
What’s Normal: Coordination challenges between hands and feet, getting tongue-tied with bols, feeling fatigued after short practice sessions.
Week 3: Building Combinations
Class Focus:
- Combining 2-3 tatkaar patterns
- Introduction to simple hastas (hand gestures)
- Basic chalan (traveling steps)
- First glimpse of abhinaya (facial expressions)
At Home Practice (20 minutes daily):
- Practice smooth transitions between tatkaar patterns
- Work on hastas in mirror
- Practice happy, sad, and peaceful expressions
What’s Normal: Mental fatigue from remembering sequences, some confusion between similar-looking hastas, excitement as movements start flowing together.
Week 4: First Composition
Class Focus:
- Learning your first short tukra (composition)
- Combining footwork with hand gestures
- Introduction to ending poses (sam/conclusion)
- Group practice and peer learning
At Home Practice (20-25 minutes daily):
- Run through complete tukra slowly
- Practice ending with confidence
- Work on expressions while dancing
What’s Normal: Feeling proud of progress, some nervousness about performing in class, occasional confusion about sequence order.
Essential Tips for Success in Your First Month
Physical Preparation
- Comfortable Clothing: Fitted pants or leggings, breathable tops
- Footwear: Bare feet or ballet shoes (no socks on smooth floors)
- Hair: Tied back securely for safety and focus
- Hydration: Bring water, especially for longer classes
Mental Preparation
- Patience: Progress takes time—focus on gradual improvement
- Practice: Even 10-15 minutes daily makes a huge difference
- Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification
- Enjoyment: Remember why you started—keep the joy alive
Setting Up Home Practice
- Space: Clear area about 6×6 feet minimum
- Mirror: Helpful but not essential initially
- Music: Simple tabla tracks or metronome apps
- Journal: Track new bols, corrections, and progress
Common First-Month Questions
Q: I’m having trouble coordinating hands and feet. Is this normal?
A: Absolutely! This is the most common challenge. Practice each element separately first, then gradually combine them.
Q: How often should I practice at home?
A: Daily practice for 10-20 minutes is more beneficial than one long weekly session. Consistency builds muscle memory.
Q: When will I be ready for my first performance?
A: Most students participate in group performances after 6-12 months, depending on progress and comfort level.
Q: Is Kathak suitable for all ages?
A: Yes! Children typically start around age 6, but adults can begin at any age. The approach may vary, but the joy is universal.
Q: What if I miss classes due to travel or illness?
A: Communicate with your instructor. Most studios offer makeup options or online practice support.
Looking Ahead: Building Your Kathak Journey
Your first month is just the beginning of a beautiful journey. As you progress, you’ll discover:
- The meditative quality of rhythmic practice
- The joy of storytelling through movement
- A deeper connection to Indian classical music
- Improved physical fitness, balance, and coordination
- A supportive community of fellow dancers
Remember, every accomplished Kathak dancer started exactly where you are now. With consistent practice, patience, and enthusiasm, you’ll be amazed at your progress in just a few months.