Natwari

Natwari India Foundation​

Natwari India Foundation​, which along with Natwari Mumbai is the primary academy of the Janakiprasaad style of Kathak for the Banaras Gharana in India. The Academy’s year-round program provides formally structured education in traditional Classical Kathak for children (ages 5 years and above) as well as adults. Students receive foundational training in kathak dance technique as well as supplemental training in Hindustani classical music.

The academy’s curriculum also provides in-depth education in the historical, philosophical, and cultural context that surrounds the dance form. As students advance, they have the opportunity to study and train at the pre-professional level with some of today’s leading Indian classical dance and music artists. Take a look at our FAQ for more information.

FAQ

Where are the classes offered?
Natwari India Foundation​ offers classes in Gurugram, India. You can find the exact loca=on here.
However, its sister organiza ons offer classes in Mumbai, Hong Kong and New York. Please
get in touch for more informa on here.
Can I start a class in mid-session?
Yes, absolutely. We welcome new students throughout the year.
Am I too old to start kathak?
It’s never too late to start! We have students of all ages, including many mothers who are
30 and 40+. People join for different reasons and there is a niche for everyone at Natwari India Foundation​.
I have had some previous dance experience, can I start at the next level?
We require all new students to start in the Foundation Level I class, regardless of prior training, as material and techniques do vary from one gharana to another. We place a strong importance on students aTaining a solid foundation in kathak technique and taal (Rhythm). It is important to note that students with prior dance experience do tend to progress faster than others if they are consistent in their aTendance and individual practice.
I have studied for many years and am looking for opportuniAes to dance professionally now. Do you have an opportunity to audiAon for your professional company?
We appreciate your interest in dancing with us! We deeply value the guru-shishya parampara and the philosophies with which we approach our training. It’s important that dancers spend time studying and training in these philosophies first before being considered to dance in our professional company
I am very serious about my study of kathak and would like to fast track progress. How can I do this?

Students who are interested in accelerating their progress can do so by taking advantage
of all the supplemental educational programs offered by Natwari india Foundation. These include
annual intensives, retreats, annual assessments, and performance opportunities. We
regularly find that those students who are consistent in their aTendance and individual
practice, and take full advantage of supplemental activities progress at an accelerated rate.

Do you have an annual recital or other performances?
Numerous performance opportuni=es are available to students at Natwari Gurugram. All
students perform in an annual recital performance and also have the opportunity to
par=cipate in numerous community performances throughout the year at fes=vals, cultural
programs, and house concerts. In order to par=cipate in performances, students must
demonstrate strong knowledge and ability in the dance (as measured by in-class
evalua=ons), consistent aTendance, and individual prac=ce.
What is the dress code for classes?
Students should wear a kurta (preferably coTon) to class with churidar or legging. Hair
should be =ed back in a neat bun or a braid. Long braids should be pinned to kurtas to avoid
injury during swi[ turns.
Do you offer private classes?
Yes, we do offer private classes a[er a student has cleared the founda=on level. Please
note the charges for private classes will vary from that of group classes.
How do I register for classes?

For registra=on informa=on, click here.

can I try a class before enrolling?

 Yes. All new students are encouraged to aTend a free trial class.

Can I video the classes so that I/my child can pracAce at home?

A cri=cal skill for all kathak dancers is the ability to improvise. Improvising requires a
highly aware and aTuned mind, as well as the ability to grasp and retain material quickly. At
Natwari Gurugram, we aim to begin developing this skill early. U=lizing videos as an aid to
learning interferes with the ability to train a sharp mind and memory. As a result, we do not
allow students or parents to video classes. We do however have ample tools and materials
to help students in their study and prac=ce. These materials are available through our
Learning Center.