The individuals at a 30-day Kathak workshop that started at Birju Maharaj Kathak Sansthan belong to completely completely different backgrounds. From a college scholar to nurse, housewife and even a retired banker, folks from completely different walks have enrolled themselves for the workshop and what unites them is their ardour to be taught the classical dance kind.
Kathak workshop underway at Birju Maharaj Kathak Sansthan in Lucknow. (HT Picture)
Earlier than coming into the Sansthan the place the courses are being performed beneath the supervision of Kathak performer Upasana Dixit, they go away the stress of their private {and professional} lives outdoors simply to step within the sneakers of a learner. The workshop started earlier this week, and day-after-day begins with a revision of the final morning’s lesson earlier than they begin with the brand new steps.
The workshop is attended by moms like Mamta Tiwari (48), Sapna Awasthi (46) and Geetanjali Rai (47) who couldn’t make time for their hobbies first on account of their research and later getting busy elevating their children, and caring for their households.
“Our kids had learnt kathak from exponents at the Sansthan and now when they have grown up, it is they who not just motivate us to learn the dance form but also inspire us to try our hands in new hobbies,” stated Tiwari.
Geetanjali Rai additionally shared that she was introduced up in a conservative household the place she was not allowed to be taught dance in childhood. “With time, I understood that one must fulfil all their desires in life. We only have one life, and we must follow our heart. With this thought, I enrolled for the workshop,” stated Rai who travels 28 kms every day between her house in Sushant Golf Metropolis and Birju Maharaj Kathak Sansthan simply to be taught Kathak.
Manju Sahu, a nursing officer within the Paediatrics division of Sanjay Gandhi Put up Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) and her two daughters Vasavi (8) and Krisha (6) are additionally amongst these attending the workshop.
“I manage everything, from my job, household chores, dance class and practice. My daughters are learning Kathak, but I also joined the workshop so that I can inspire them to learn the performing artform with grit. Sometimes, I correct the pose and postures of my daughters while others they help me correct mine,” shared Sahu.
On the similar time, Dinesh Rawat (62), is an instance of how studying is a life-long course of. “I was a banker at a nationalised bank but have always been interested in performing art form. I did an 8-year course in flute followed by Bachelor in Performing Arts (BPA) Flute alongside my job. I did not get married, so I manage everything by myself. I thought Kathak as an opportunity to stay fit and active as mostly living alone leads to depression and anxiety. I find happiness when I learn a performing art form, so I turned up for the workshop,” stated Rawat.