The AAKRITI Experience
Not just learn how to dance, but become an artist.
At Aakriti Kathak Academy, we believe that meaningful training in Kathak encompasses far more than learning steps and choreography. Our goal is to develop well-rounded Kathak artists who understand what they dance, can articulate what they know, and have the confidence to present their art independently.
A Structured, Progressive Curriculum
Students follow a carefully structured curriculum that develops their skills progressively over many years of training. Classes encompass both practical and theoretical aspects of Kathak, including technique, repertoire, rhythm, taal, abhinaya (story-telling), padhant (recitation), history, terminology and the understanding of traditional compositions. A lot of stress if given on maintaining the traditional form through learning body lines and geometry and understanding how micro body movements differentiate one dance form from another.
Particular emphasis is placed on recitation and diction. Students learn to clearly speak and recite the bols, tihais, parans, tode and other compositions they perform, developing an understanding of the rhythmic architecture behind the movement rather than simply memorizing choreography.
Students also learn to create and notate their own compositions using the technical notation system of Kathak, giving them the tools to understand and eventually contribute to the art form as knowledgeable practitioners.
Regular Evaluation & Multiple Pathways
Progress is assessed through regular evaluations conducted through qualified examiners. Students have access to multiple pathways depending on their individual goals and interests, including opportunities associated with UNESCO, Bharati Vidyapeeth, the Indo-American Performing Arts Association, and UNC Charlotte’s Dance dNC program, including opportunities to earn college credits.
These pathways allow students to pursue formal recognition of their training while continuing to develop their artistic abilities.
Performance & Competition Opportunities
Performance is an important part of the Aakriti experience. Students are encouraged to take their training beyond the classroom and gain experience performing before diverse audiences.
Students regularly participate in local performances and dance competitions, where Aakriti dancers have repeatedly distinguished themselves by earning first-place awards. These experiences help students develop stage confidence, performance discipline and the ability to present their Kathak under competitive conditions.
As students progress to more advanced levels, opportunities expand to larger and more prestigious stages. Senior Aakriti students have represented the academy at international-level events such as the New York Kathak Festival, gaining the experience of performing alongside and before accomplished artists from the wider Kathak community.
A Community That Performs Together
Aakriti is more than a classroom. It is a community where students learn to perform, collaborate, lead and support one another.
Students regularly participate in intimate Baithak-style performances known at Aakriti as Avartan. In this warm and informal setting, students don’t simply perform—they learn how to host an event, serve as an MC, introduce artists and compositions, organize a program, and present solo work.
These experiences help students gradually develop the confidence to stand on stage independently, while still being surrounded by a supportive community.
Mentorship & Leadership
As students progress, senior students have opportunities to mentor and assist younger students. They may help junior students prepare for classes, evaluations and examinations while learning the responsibilities that come with teaching and leadership.
Students who contribute in these roles can also earn volunteer hours, turning their years of training into an opportunity to give back to the next generation of dancers.
Thematic Productions & Professional Performance
Aakriti students also have the opportunity to participate in thematic dance productions, taking Kathak beyond the traditional classroom and into professional auditorium settings.
Through these productions, students learn what it takes to create and present a complete stage production. They experience the artistic and technical elements of theatre, including themes, storytelling, choreography, costume design, stage presentation and lighting cues.
These performances provide students with an understanding of what happens behind the scenes as well as on stage—and prepare them to become confident, versatile performers.
Developing the Complete Artist
Our students are encouraged to engage with Kathak intellectually as well as physically. They write articles and reflections on topics related to dance, explore the history and evolution of the art form, and develop an understanding of the ideas and traditions that inform their practice.
Students also learn to compose and notate Kathak compositions using the technical notation system, developing the ability to think about rhythm and choreography as creators, not simply performers.
The objective is to create dancers who can answer not only “How do I perform this?”, but also “What am I performing, why am I performing it, and how can I communicate it to an audience?”
Manch Pravesh — A Milestone in the Kathak Journey
After several years of dedicated training, advanced students may choose to undertake a Manch Pravesh—a solo graduation recital marking a significant milestone in their Kathak journey.
Comparable in significance to an Arangetram in other Indian classical dance traditions, a Manch Pravesh represents years of disciplined study, preparation and artistic growth. It is an opportunity for the student to present their training as an independent Kathak artist before an audience.
A Journey That Grows With the Student
From the first bols and tatkar to performing independently on local, national and international stages, Aakriti’s approach is designed to give students a long-term artistic journey.
They learn to dance.
They learn to understand.
They learn to perform.
They learn to lead.
And, ultimately, they learn to become artists.
A community that grows together.
Not just learn how to dance, but become an artist.
At Aakriti Kathak Academy, we believe that meaningful training in Kathak encompasses far more than learning steps and choreography. Our goal is to develop well-rounded Kathak artists who understand what they dance, can articulate what they know, and have the confidence to present their art independently.
A Structured, Progressive Curriculum
Students follow a carefully structured curriculum that develops their skills progressively over many years of training. Classes encompass both practical and theoretical aspects of Kathak, including technique, repertoire, rhythm, taal, abhinaya (story-telling), padhant (recitation), history, terminology and the understanding of traditional compositions. A lot of stress if given on maintaining the traditional form through learning body lines and geometry and understanding how micro body movements differentiate one dance form from another.
Particular emphasis is placed on recitation and diction. Students learn to clearly speak and recite the bols, tihais, parans, tode and other compositions they perform, developing an understanding of the rhythmic architecture behind the movement rather than simply memorizing choreography.
Students also learn to create and notate their own compositions using the technical notation system of Kathak, giving them the tools to understand and eventually contribute to the art form as knowledgeable practitioners.
Regular Evaluation & Multiple Pathways
Progress is assessed through regular evaluations conducted through qualified examiners. Students have access to multiple pathways depending on their individual goals and interests, including opportunities associated with UNESCO, Bharati Vidyapeeth, the Indo-American Performing Arts Association, and UNC Charlotte’s Dance dNC program, including opportunities to earn college credits.
These pathways allow students to pursue formal recognition of their training while continuing to develop their artistic abilities.
Performance & Competition Opportunities
Performance is an important part of the Aakriti experience. Students are encouraged to take their training beyond the classroom and gain experience performing before diverse audiences.
Students regularly participate in local performances and dance competitions, where Aakriti dancers have repeatedly distinguished themselves by earning first-place awards. These experiences help students develop stage confidence, performance discipline and the ability to present their Kathak under competitive conditions.
As students progress to more advanced levels, opportunities expand to larger and more prestigious stages. Senior Aakriti students have represented the academy at international-level events such as the New York Kathak Festival, gaining the experience of performing alongside and before accomplished artists from the wider Kathak community.
A Community That Performs Together
Aakriti is more than a classroom. It is a community where students learn to perform, collaborate, lead and support one another.
Students regularly participate in intimate Baithak-style performances known at Aakriti as Avartan. In this warm and informal setting, students don’t simply perform—they learn how to host an event, serve as an MC, introduce artists and compositions, organize a program, and present solo work.
These experiences help students gradually develop the confidence to stand on stage independently, while still being surrounded by a supportive community.
Mentorship & Leadership
As students progress, senior students have opportunities to mentor and assist younger students. They may help junior students prepare for classes, evaluations and examinations while learning the responsibilities that come with teaching and leadership.
Students who contribute in these roles can also earn volunteer hours, turning their years of training into an opportunity to give back to the next generation of dancers.
Thematic Productions & Professional Performance
Aakriti students also have the opportunity to participate in thematic dance productions, taking Kathak beyond the traditional classroom and into professional auditorium settings.
Through these productions, students learn what it takes to create and present a complete stage production. They experience the artistic and technical elements of theatre, including themes, storytelling, choreography, costume design, stage presentation and lighting cues.
These performances provide students with an understanding of what happens behind the scenes as well as on stage—and prepare them to become confident, versatile performers.
Developing the Complete Artist
Our students are encouraged to engage with Kathak intellectually as well as physically. They write articles and reflections on topics related to dance, explore the history and evolution of the art form, and develop an understanding of the ideas and traditions that inform their practice.
Students also learn to compose and notate Kathak compositions using the technical notation system, developing the ability to think about rhythm and choreography as creators, not simply performers.
The objective is to create dancers who can answer not only “How do I perform this?”, but also “What am I performing, why am I performing it, and how can I communicate it to an audience?”
Manch Pravesh — A Milestone in the Kathak Journey
After several years of dedicated training, advanced students may choose to undertake a Manch Pravesh—a solo graduation recital marking a significant milestone in their Kathak journey.
Comparable in significance to an Arangetram in other Indian classical dance traditions, a Manch Pravesh represents years of disciplined study, preparation and artistic growth. It is an opportunity for the student to present their training as an independent Kathak artist before an audience.
A Journey That Grows With the Student
From the first bols and tatkar to performing independently on local, national and international stages, Aakriti’s approach is designed to give students a long-term artistic journey.
They learn to dance.
They learn to understand.
They learn to perform.
They learn to lead.
And, ultimately, they learn to become artists.
A community that grows together.
