KATHAK & Its Articulation 🍃🌷| Structure Of Kathak

In the year 2000 I began my Kathak journey after learning Bharatnatyam for approximately ten years. At first I learnt under Preeti Ma'am (a student of Ms. Nirupama Rajendra). In 2003 when I moved to Mumbai, I began learning under Neetu Didi (Nandita Puri ji; Shishya of the doyen Roshan Kumari ji under the Jaipur Gharana). It was so challenging for me to hold the style of KATHAK when I had learnt Bharatnatyam almost all my life. I remember Kaushik Da (Kaushik Basu) recommending that I practice the Lucknow Gharana style with Biru Da (Bireshwar Gautam ji). This was around 2008 and Neetu Didi had moved back to Chandigarh. At the same time I had begun attending workshops at the Nehru Centre with Pt. Birju Maharaj ji. Saswati Didi often referred to me as 'Eh! Jaipur Ladki!' -- for my wrists wouldn't MOVE!!! 😄
Towards the end of the year 2010 I met Harsh. That was when I actually started to understand the nuances of Kathak - since I was spending so much time with Harsh. Additionally, our dates would be various concerts around Mumbai or spending quality time listening to Maharaj ji talking joyously about Kathak and his learnings. I sincerely worked at developing the style of KATHAK within my body & was hungry for as much knowledge as I could get. Harsh often stayed with Maharaj ji each time that he was in Mumbai so I would make most of it and spend as much time as I possibly could, in order to comprehend the impact that Pt. Birju Maharaj ji had on Kathak.
Over the years I have humbly applied whatever that I could grasp as a Student; and then a performing artist.
It brings me so much joy in sharing my insights and learnings of the art form. Thank you for your interest!

(PS Grateful to all the incredible souls who helped me in being whatever that I could be as an artist. My humble regards to all the classical artists and connoisseur of the world!)

~ Shoma Kaikini-Singh