Episode 3 of kathak series

🎀 Episode 3: The First Step – Learning Kathak from Scratch

Hi guys! I’m your writer and well-wisher, and welcome back to our beautiful Kathak series. After discovering the graceful Gharanas in Episode 2, many of you asked – “How do I start learning Kathak?” Well, this episode is for you! Today we’ll learn the basics of Kathak — the foundation that every dancer builds on. And as always, stay with me till the end for a special story of courage and victory, straight from a village in Uttar Pradesh. 💃🥊
🌸 How to Begin Kathak – The Basics for Beginners
Kathak may look complex and artistic on stage, but every expert once started with tiny steps and basic beats. You can too!
🦶 1. Tatkar – The Language of Feet
Tatkar is the basic footwork of Kathak. It teaches you rhythm and balance.
• Start with this pattern:
Ta Thai Thai Tat | Aa Thai Thai Tat
• Tap your right foot on “Ta”, left on “Thai”, and so on.
• Practice slowly with a beat or tabla loop.
🩰 Tip: Always stand straight, knees slightly bent, and focus on your posture.
🖐️ 2. Hastak – Hand Movements
Hand gestures in Kathak are called Hastaks. They help express emotion, story, and beauty.
• Common beginner Hastaks:
• Pataka: A flat palm, used in greetings or showing the sky.
• Tripataka: Three fingers up – used for trees, crowns, etc.
• Ardhapataka: Half-flag, used for leaves, knives, or corners.
🙌 Practice each hand gesture slowly in front of a mirror and combine them with gentle arm movements.
🔄 3. Chakkars – The Beautiful Spins
Chakkars are graceful turns done on the heels. Beginners usually start with 3-4 slow spins.
• Keep your body straight, eyes focused, and hands open at shoulder level.
• Start with half-turns, then full.
⚠️ Warning: Don’t spin too fast at the start — you may lose balance.
🧘‍♀️ 4. Thetha & Namaskar
Every Kathak session begins with a Thetha (introduction posture) and ends with a Namaskar (respect to earth and guru).
• Thetha: One leg slightly in front, hands at waist or chest level.
• Namaskar: Bend down, touch the floor gently, then your forehead — with full respect.
🙏 This ritual reminds us that dance is devotion.
💬 Learning Tip:
You don’t need a studio to begin — just a clean space, dedication, and maybe a pair of ghungroos (ankle bells) once you’re ready. Many students today start learning from online classes, YouTube, or local gurus.
💌 Reader’s Story – Shunaina from Uttar Pradesh
We received a bold and beautiful story from Shunaina, a 17-year-old girl from a small village in Uttar Pradesh. Her memory is not from a stage, but a fight — her first-ever boxing match.
“Hi, I’m Shunaina, and I’ll never forget the day I entered the ring in my village for the first time. I was nervous. There were boys around, some teasing, some laughing. People said – ‘boxing is not for girls’. But I knew, I had to prove it wrong.
It wasn’t a fancy tournament, just a local event. But for me, it was war. I stepped into the ring with my fists shaking, but my heart strong. The bell rang. The first punch I landed — I heard the crowd go silent. Then cheer.
I didn’t win that day with just strength. I won with courage. That match didn’t make me a champion — it made me fearless.”
🥊 Thank you, Shunaina, for reminding us that the bravest steps are the ones taken alone, with belief.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Every dancer begins with a step. Every fighter begins with a punch. Whether you're spinning in your room or standing in a ring — what matters is that you start.
In Episode 4, we’ll explore Kathak costumes, makeup, and how presentation adds magic to performance.
This is your writer and well-wisher, signing off with love and power.
Believe in your rhythm. Believe in your roar. 💖