About
Kathak Rhythms is a Kathak dance school and performing company based in Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin that uses the classical Indian dance form as a method for artistic and cultural engagement and discovery. Traditionally attributed to the traveling bards of ancient northern India known as Kathakars or storytellers, Kathak gained refinement and complexity in technique and aesthetics over two millennia. Kathak Rhythms' presentations range from traditional to modern themes while maintaining the purity of the dance form.
Our performing company was accepted into the Texas Touring Roster by the Texas Commission on the Arts for 2020-2022.
Our performing company was accepted into the Texas Touring Roster by the Texas Commission on the Arts for 2020-2022.
Training
At Kathak Rhythms, Kathak is taught as a complete form with traditional methods, combining the best of all Gharanas. While deliberately staying away from the deviations of "Bolly-culture", Kathak Rhythms gives the opportunity to serious dance lovers to focus on the purity of the dance form by emphasis on the detailed nuances of Kathak, namely - abhinaya, taiyyari, laykari and padanth.
While learning, students are provided with the opportunity to hone their presentation skills with examinations and certification through Samaved and Gandharva. Additionally, students get to perform at select venues as well as our annual recital, to showcase their skills and develop their style and confidence.
While learning, students are provided with the opportunity to hone their presentation skills with examinations and certification through Samaved and Gandharva. Additionally, students get to perform at select venues as well as our annual recital, to showcase their skills and develop their style and confidence.
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Class Structure:
Lessons are taught according to a set syllabus with 8 levels:
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Who can join:
Students of ages 6+ are welcome to join, adults included! Our students are assigned to a class based on age, level and location. Group and Private lessons are offered through the school year, with special sessions during the Summer. Kathak Rhythms' student enrollment exceeds 400 while average class sizes are maintained at 10 students per class. Our students are trained with individualized attention in an evironment that fosters both friendship and classical discipline. |
While dance techniques and movement are taught during the first few years of learning, emphasis on presentation and style is placed in the advanced years. Typical training time per level ranges from 1 to 3 years based on the students' passion and commitment to practice in addition to class hours. Workshops are offered periodically with reputed Kathak artists from around the world. Benefiting from the structured learning environment at Kathak Rhythms, our students have developed to graduate from our program and extend their learning into their academic and professional lives.
COVID-19 UPDATE: We have returned to in-person classes as of March 2022 for all DFW area students. For students outside DFW, online classes are continuing to be held.
Akhila Rao
Director
Akhila Rao has been in the field of Kathak for over 40+ years. Inspired and supported by her father K J Rao, a leading Kannada stage Actor-Director, Akhila was trained from an early age under the guidance of Guru Shri Ganesh Hiralal in Mumbai, performing her Rang Manch Pravesh in 1978 and presenting at leading venues in India. A Recipient of the "Singar Mani" title, awarded by Sur-Singar Samsad at the Kal-Ke-Kalakaar Festival in 1981, Akhila was also winner of The "Menaka Trophy" for Kathak, at the Bombay University Youth Festival. Akhila has also had specialized training for teaching students the finer aspects of Kathak, under the guidance of Guru Late Smt. Asha Joglekar in Mumbai.
Studio
Our 4000 sq. ft. studio space is located in Plano, Texas and is purpose-built for Kathak Rhythms. We feature a large 1800 sq ft. space that can be used as two independent and fully-functional studios when separated by our custom sound-proof collapsible wall (Blue + Green studios) Additionally, we have 2 separate studio rooms in Plano that are 1000 sqft (Red studio) and 750 sqft each (Beige studio). Our Southlake studio space is 750 sqft on the 2nd floor of a sports and recreation complex.
The studio is also available for other dance and art classes- Details below:
Studio features:
Other Facilities:
The studio is also available for other dance and art classes- Details below:
Studio features:
- Full length mirrors
- HD projector and integrated sound-system to quickly and easily view any media on our motorized drop-down screen*
- Bluetooth sound-system with microphone for plug-and-play functionality
- Hard wood floor
- Dry erase-board
- Well-lit and equipped with special effects lights*
- *available in combined studio only (Blue + Green)
Other Facilities:
- Courtesy Lobby provided to reduce disturbances for classes
- Dressing Room for shows
- Security cameras provide 24/7 security
- Solar-Powered Motion Sensing Security Lights
- In-house HD photography and videography facility for events
- 3D Scanning and Print of dance poses for mementos
- Traditional and contemporary Costumes and Jewelry for performances
- Stage props and Backdrops
- 1000-Watt 2.1 Performance loudspeaker system with Wireless Microphones for auditorium-quality sound
Gallery
Kathak Bahaar - Annual Recital highlights
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Locations
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Plano Kathak Rhythms Studio
4020 Hedgecoxe Rd. Suite 150 Plano, TX 75024 |
Southlake |