DANC 046. Kathak

We will engage in a practice-oriented approach to Kathak dance, a classical/concert dance form from the north and east India. The dance form is a confluence of musicality and embodied expressivity that uses gestures and movements within precise metrics of time cycles. Our focus will be on learning rhythmic patterns and vocalization with live tabla (percussion), breath, and fluid arm movements. We will explore simple footwork and gait or a style of walking in Kathak called “gat” and learn about the melody-rhythmic cycles of “sam”. It will also include expressing ideas through emotional intent (or “bhava-rasa”). We will explore how improvisation works within the Kathak form making it adaptable to various modalities of fusion and hybridity, a prime example of this hybrid modality stemming from Kathak is the Bollywood freestyle.
Open to all students. No prior dance experience is required.
Graded CR/NC.
0.5 credit or P.E.
Eligible for ISLM, ASIA
Spring 2025. Chakravorty.
Fall 2025. Chakravorty.
Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program

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