Dance Syllabus - Year I
FIRST (1 ST) YEAR
Introduction
This elementary course in Indian dance is taught through a four-year syllabus. The classes run concurrently with the school’s academic year; three terms of roughly 13 weeks each. The course is offered in both the theoretical and practical aspects of the dance, both Kathak Classical and Indian folk dance.
This First Year Course (elementary level) provides some basic information on Kathak classical and Indian folk dance. It orients and prepares the student for a systematic and sustained approach to Indian dance both at the Kathak classical and the Indian folk dance level.
Objective of Course
To introduce students to the world of dance in general, through movements and moods, with the accompaniment of vocal and instrumental music.
To introduce a comprehensive, systematic and structured course of study on Indian dance beginning with the elements of Kathak Classical and Indian Folk dances on a phased basis.
Theory:
Simple definitions of technical terms used both in Indian music and dance:
Dance, Kathak Classical dance, Bol, Matra, Taal, Sama, Khāli, Taali, Theka, Tatkar, Thāgun, Dugun, Chaugun, Laya, Mudra, Namaskar, Tihaie and Tukra.
Practical:
i General: Training in basic movements of the body and its various parts to prepare it for dance. This involves exercises (yoga) to activate the body, isolate and activate some of its different parts to make it (the body) supple for performing movements and depicting various moods or emotions. This includes training in the basic movements of the head, eyes, eyebrows, neck, shoulders, hands, feet etc. in rhythm with proper breathing technique.
ii Rudimentary Kathak:
iii Introduction of the basic positions and postures of the body that are characteristic of Kathak classical dance.
iv Introduction to the understanding of Indian rhythm and to Teen Taal (a rhythmic time cycle of 16 beats). Ability to perform teen taal in single, double and quadruple speeds on the feet.
v Performance of combinations of foot movements (tatkar) with basic hand movements (hastak) in single, double and quadruple speeds and combinations of these into simple Kathak dance sequences such as; Teen Taal, Tihaie, Thaat, Amad, Rang manch ka puja, Tukra, Mudra/hastak, Mudra, Introduction to Guru Vandana
vi Introduction to Indian folk dancing: Training in some basic Indian folk dance steps and simple dance sequences will be imparted and practiced.
Note; Students are required to bring their ghungroos (dancing bells) to the class in order to receive and execute the practical instructions.
Dance: Kathak Classical Dance (Short Definition)
The word Kathak is derived from the Sanskrit word katha which means a story. The Kathak or Kathakar is the person who uses movements of the body, limbs and facial expressions in a particular style and in rhythm to tell the story.
Kathak is one of the many classical Indian dances. It originated in Northern India. Its history is as ancient as the country itself. Its characterised features are graceful linear, curvilinear and rounded movements and shapes; variations of pirouettes or chakkars, and combinations and permutations of rapid foot movements or tatkar. An exciting feature of the Kathak performance is the dancer reciting the various dance sequences within the rhythmic structure of the presentation and then performing them to live accompaniment.
Like all Indian classical dances, Kathak also comprises three components; Nrit or pure dance, emphasising the technical aspects of the respective dance technique of the particular style of dance. The Nritya is expressive dancing using a combination of facial expressions or "Bhava", also referred to as abhinaya. The Natya or Nritya Nataka is dramatic dancing, used in storytelling, balletic pieces.
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Dance Syllabus - Year II
Introduction
This elementary course in Indian dance is taught through a four-year syllabus. The course is offered in both the theoretical and practical aspects of the dance, both Kathak Classical and Indian folk dance.
This Second Year Course (elementary level) provides additional basic information on Kathak classical and Indian folk dances. It continues the orientation and preparation of the First Year student for the systematic and sustained approach to Indian dance in both the Kathak classical and the Indian folk styles.
Objective of Course
To introduce students to the world of dance in general, through movements and moods, with the accompaniment of vocal and instrumental music.
To introduce a comprehensive, systematic and structured course of study on Indian dance beginning with the elements of Kathak Classical and Indian Folk dances on a phased basis.
Theory:
Revision of definitions of the first year syllabus;
Simple definitions of additional technical terms used both in Indian dance and music:
Kathak Classical dance (short history), Vibhag, Tatkar, Tatkar-ke-baant, Laya, Hastaks, Rasa, Palta, Tihaie and Chakardar Tukra. Ability to understand and demonstrate the rhythm (on the hands) and to do Parhant of Teen taal, Dadra and Kaharwa taals.
Practical:
i. General: Continued training in basic movements of the body and its various parts to prepare it for dance. This includes additional training postures (yoga) to isolate and activate different parts of the body to make it (the body) pliable and ready for performing movements and depicting various moods or emotions. The continued training in movements of the head, eyes, eyebrows, neck, shoulders, hands, feet etc. in rhythm with proper breathing technique.
ii. Rudimentary Kathak:
iii. Introduction of additional basic positions and postures of the body that are characteristic of Kathak classical dance.
iv. Introduction to the understanding of Indian rhythms of Teen Taal (a rhythmic time cycle of 16 beats), Dadra taal and Kaharwa taal. Ability to perform teen taal in on the feet.
v. Introduction to the variations of Chakkars (Pirouettes) including paltas for Gat.
vi. Performance of combinations of foot movements (tatkar) with hand movements (hastak) and simple variations of Chakkars (pirouettes) and the combinations of these into simple dance sequences such as; Teen taal. Tihaie, Thaat, Amad, Salami, Tukra, Mudra/hastak, Introduction to Saraswati Vandana.
vii. Revision and practice the technique of the dance postures and sequences learned in the first year syllabus so that the body and brain become ready to respond faster to new work and to absorb the style and technique of the dance.
viii. Continued training in basic Indian folk dance steps and simple dance sequences. Learning of one folk dance item.
Note: The classes run concurrently with the school’s academic year; three terms of roughly 13 weeks each.
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Dance Syllabus - Year III
Introduction
This elementary course in Indian dance is taught through a four-year syllabus. The course is offered in both the theoretical and practical aspects of the dance, both Kathak Classical and Indian folk dance.
This Third Year Course (elementary level) provides further information on Kathak classical and Indian folk dances. It continues the orientation and preparation of the Third Year student for the systematic and structured approach to the Indian classical dance style of Kathak. It also provides continuous understanding of the Indian folk styles.
Objective of Course
• To introduce students to the world of dance in general, through movements and moods, with the accompaniment of vocal and instrumental music.
• To introduce a comprehensive, systematic and structured course of study on Indian dance beginning with the elements of Kathak Classical and Indian Folk dances on a phased basis.
• To provide technical skills; in the body, in the effective use of space and in the speaking of the bols in rhythm (Parhant). The aim is not to teach ‘a dance’ or ‘dance items’, but to train the student in knowing how to dance in the respective styles in which they are being trained. Student(s) will learn how to create their own dance sequences and in the process dance items will emerge from this training.
Theory:
Revision of definitions of the first and second years’ syllabi.
Simple definitions of additional technical terms used both in Indian dance and music:
Kathak Classical dance (short history), Vibhag, Tatkar in 4 speeds, Larrie, Amad, Paran Amad, Natwarie and Sangeet Tukras, Parmelu, Tihaie and Chakardār tihaie, Paltas, Gat Nikas, Hastaks and Rasa. Ability to understand and demonstrate the rhythm (on the hands) and do Parhant of Teen taal, Dadra, Kaharwa and Jhap tālas.
Short Profiles of at least two Kathak gurus
Brief history of Indian dance in Trinidad and Tobago
Practical:
i. General:
Continued training in basic movements of the body and its various parts to prepare it for dance. This includes training regime (additional yoga exercises with musical accompaniment) to isolate and activate different parts of the body to make it (the body) pliable and ready for performing movements and depicting various moods or emotions. The additional movements of isolated body parts: head, eyes, eyebrows, neck, shoulders, hands, feet etc., and in the use of space in rhythm with controlled breathing. Ability to do Parhant and demonstrate the rhythm (on the hands) of Teen taal, Dadra, Kaharwa and Jhap tālas.
ii. Rudimentary Kathak:
• Additional basic positions and postures of the body in rhythm that are characteristic of Kathak classical dance.
• Introduction to and the understanding of additional Indian rhythmic cycle Kaharwa and Jhap tālas.
• Ability to perform teen taal in 4 speeds and Jhap tall in 3 speeds on the feet.
• Introduction to the variations of Chakkars (Pirouettes) including paltas for Gat.
• Demonstrations of at least 12 positions of Sama (friezes or frescoes).
• Performance of combinations of foot movements (tatkar) with hand movements (hastak), simple variations of Chakkars (pirouettes) and the combinations of these into dance sequences as given under:
Performance of a solo Dance sequence of Amad, tukra, tihaie and Gat nikas in Teen Taal 3-6 mins
Bhajan/Kirtan or Tarana 1
Indian folk Item – Gidda/Bhangra 1
The student must be able to say (parhant) and perform the above dance sequences. There are to be continued revision and practice of the technique of the dance postures and sequences learned in the first and second year syllabi so that the body and brain are responding faster to new and more advanced work and can display the style and technique of the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak Classical dance.
At the end of the third year the student must be able to perform the basic steps of 3 Indian folk dances that were brought to Trinidad and Tobago; Rumal, Bhangra and jharoo.
Note: The classes run concurrently with the school’s academic year; three terms of a minimum of 13 weeks per term at 2 hours per week(78 hrs per year).
Dance Syllabus - One-Year Intermediate Level Course
INTERMEDIATE COURSE
ONE YEAR
Introduction
This Intermediate course in Indian dance is taught through a one-year syllabus. The course is offered in both the theoretical and practical aspects of the Kathak Classical and Indian folk dance styles.
This Intermediate level provides further knowledge and training in Kathak classical and Indian folk dances brought from India and planted in the fertile soils of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. It provides the process of continuous, systematic and structured training of these dance styles, majoring in Kathak Classical dance. It also provides orientation and preparation for enrollment into a Diploma in the Indo-Caribbean performing Arts.
Objective of Course
• To introduce students to the world of dance in general, through movements and moods, with the accompaniment of vocal and instrumental music.
• To introduce a comprehensive, systematic and structured course of study on Indian dance beginning with the elements of Kathak Classical and Indian Folk dances on a phased basis.
• To train the student to create short choreographic sequences in the styles of dance being taught and to perform them in solo or group work.
• At the end of this Intermediate level course of training the successful student will appreciate the wider dimensions of Kathak dance and facilitate the process of their creating their own dance items.
• To provide guidance to the student in teaching the art form to others, at the preliminary level.
• To prepare the student for entry, as an emerging artist, unto the performing stage.
Theory:
Revision of definitions of technical terms in the syllabi of the last three years.
More advanced definitions of additional technical terms used both in Indian dance and music:
Research and writing of a short history of Kathak Classical dance in Trinidad and Tobago.
Knowledge of the repertoire of the Kathak performance and the definitions of the terms that comprise the repertoire of a Kathak recital (Thaats, Aamads (short & long Amad, Paran Amad) various types of tukras (Natwarie and Sangeet Tukras); tihaies, Parmelu, Paltas, Gats (Nikas and Gat Bhava), Parans and Tatkar in multiple speeds including Larrie.
Rudimentary knowledge of Rasa and bhava and the ability to demonstrate at least 4-6 Rasas.
Research and writing of Profiles of at least two Kathak gurus and their contribution to the art form. One guru must be from the Caribbean region
Brief history, in writing, of Indian dance in Trinidad and Tobago
Practical:
i. General:
• Continued training in basic movements of the body and its various parts to prepare it for dance. This includes training in movements of the head, eyes, eyebrows, neck, shoulders, torso, hands, feet etc; exercises in rhythm with controlled breathing; additional yoga exercises with musical accompaniment) to isolate and activate different parts of the body to make it (the body) pliable and ready for performing movements and depicting various moods or emotions.
• Recitation and demonstration (Parhant) of the rhythm patterns and sequences on the hands in the following taalas: Teen taal, Dadra, Kaharwa and Jhap tālas and performance of these.
• Effective use of space, floor work, technical skills and smooth transitions from abstract movements to emotive, expressive dancing.
• Training in vocal and/or instrumental music at Year 111 level of the elementary course.
ii. Kathak:
• Introduction of additional basic positions and postures of the body in rhythm that are characteristic of Kathak classical dance.
• Further understanding of the Indian rhythmic cycle of Jhap tāla and the ability to execute some of its dance sequences.
• Introduction to Dhamar taal
• Ability to demonstrate on the feet the rhythmic cycles of teen taal in multiple speeds, Jhap tall in 3 speeds and Dhamar taal in 3 speeds.
• Development of speed and clarity in executing variations of tatkar, various Chakkars (Pirouettes) and paltas for Gat.
• Demonstrations of at least 16 positions of Sama (friezes or frescoes) with single and double hands.
• Ability to write dance sequences in rhythm.
• Performance of combinations of foot movements (tatkar) with varying hand movements (hastak); variations of Chakkars (pirouettes) in both Teen tall and Jhap Taal and the combinations of these into dance sequences as given under:
The student must be able to say (parhant) and perform the above dance sequences. There must be continued revision and practice of the technique of the dance postures and sequences learned in the syllabi of the three-year elementary course. The constant repetition of these will allow the body and brain to respond more rapidly - with speed, elegance and grace - to more advanced work thereby displaying the style and technique of the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak Classical dance.
Continued training in basic Indian folk dance steps and dance sequences. Learning of a new folk dance item; the Phagwa dance.
The student will be required to teach junior students of the Sangam for a minimum of thirty (30) hours under guided supervision.
At the end of the Intermediate-level course, in addition to the intensive training in Kathak dance, the student must be able to perform the basic steps of four Indian folk dances that were introduced to Trinidad and Tobago; Rumal, Bhangra, Dandia and Phagwa or Holi.
Note: The classes run concurrently with the school’s academic year; three terms of roughly a minimum of 13 weeks each. Students must attend a minimum of 70 % of classes in order to qualify to take the examinations. Examinations will be conducted at the end of the 3rd term for promotion to the Diploma Course of Study in Kathak. Examinations will be conducted both in theory and practical aspects of dance. The theory will be undertaken in writing. The practicum will include an external examiner in the subject area.
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56B, Back Street, Tunapuna,
Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.
Corner Cumberbatch St & Chaguanas Main Rd.
Chaguanas.
Email: [email protected]
Phone:
1-868-663-9513,
1-868-789-3609,
1-868-374-8625,
1-868-767-3764.
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