-What is taught at Aakriti Kathak Academy? - Pure Kathak based on university prescribed syllabus - Contemporary dance based choreography is taught for thematic shows - No semi-classical or Bollywood
Which gharana of Kathak is taught? - Kriti hails from Jaipur. Her master is in Banaras gharana. She has expertise in both Jaipur and Banaras gharana.
What is the age limit? - The classes are taught based on level and not by age - all classes have mixed age groups - The student has to be a minimum of 7 years old - In some exceptional cases, I may take them at 6 if they show keen interest - There is no upper age limit - Mommies and Daughters can join together and they make great dance buddies!
How are classes conducted? - In-person. Virtual classes are offered if student is sick or traveling If student is unable to attend class for any reason, a class recording can be provided upon request
Can I get certified in Kathak? - Yes absolutely! - We are accredited exam center for Bharati Vidya Peeth University (BVDU), Pune - Twice a year we offer exams through BVDU - Students take theory as well as practical exams where they get assessed by external examiners and get certified by the university - Each level takes about 1.5 to 2 years to complete - There are 7 levels to achieve a Diploma (equivalent to a Bachelor's degree) - 2 more levels to achieve an Advance Diploma (equivalent to a Masters degree)
What are your qualifications in Kathak? - Kriti has Masters degree (Gold medal) in Kathak from BVDU. She is also on the BVDU panel of examiners - Featured dance at New York Kathak Festival: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkcS1CE1EIU&t=1038s
Who teaches the classes? - Kriti - Beginners and senior classes (15+ years of teaching experience) - Jeevitha - Level 1, 2 & 3 (4 years of teaching experience) - In addition, each class gets a mentor - who is a senior student at the academy (level 5 & up) working on her Diploma or already has a Diploma
What is the fee structure? - The school session is divided into 2 semesters - Fall (Aug - Dec) & Spring (Jan - Jun) as per wake county traditional school calendar. - Tuition is based on an annual basis depending upon the level. - Level 1 tuition is $780 for the first year. Which you split in 2 halves. $390 is due in August. The rest $390 is due in Jan. - Class is held once a week for 1 hour. In addition assignments are regularly offered. - As students progress through the levels, the time commitment changes to twice a week (1 hour each) and fee structure changes as well - Level 2 onward students also pay $50 annual registration fees
What is the policy for missed classes? - Please inform us if you have to miss class so I can record the session for you - You are responsible to catch up using the class recording and by taking help of your classmates and mentors
How long does it take to complete level one and what skills are typically mastered at the end of level one? - About 1.5 to 2 years. - Here is the syllabus for Level 1: Theory: No written examination for this Foundation Course 1.Information about Kathak in five sentences . 2.Information about student, Guru and institution in five sentences 3.Information of Taal Teentaal 4.Definition of following terms.Laya, Vilambit Laya, Madhya Laya, Drut Laya, Matra, Sam, Tali, Kaal, Khand Practical: 1.Dugun and Chaugun of Taal Teentaal by showing Tali and Kaal in the form of figures or 16 Matras 2.Recitation of Teentaal Thekaby showing Tali and Kaal and its Dugun and Chaugun 3.Recitation of following terms in Teentaal by showing Tali and Kaal. a.Sadha Toda –6 b.ChakradharToda –2 c.Tihai –2
What about Performances? Recital? - Typically we have 1 annual recital every year where students showcase what they have learned in class, on live music. Students get to experience a professional setting - proper auditorium, stage, lighting, emcee and live music.
- 11th anniversary production - Darbar - Oct 29 2023 at Garner Performing arts center
-10th anniversary production - Rustic & Royal Rajasthan - Oct 1 2022 at Stewart Theater youtu.be/eTuhTv-IyTA
- Every 1.5-2 years we also do thematic productions where students enjoy enriching their dance experience with their fellow Kathak friends. Here is a link from our 2018 production, Jogan:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV2KZpEpeV8
What is your refund policy? - If for any reason you need to leave the course in the middle of the session, a refund will be given for the rest of the semester
When does the new batch begin? - We begin Aug 27, 2024. Beginner class date & time - Tuesdays 6:15 pm
How do I sign up? - Please send: 1. Full name of student 2. Full name of parent 3. email address 4. Your whatsapp contact number