December 11/12/13/14/15: Gaurav Bhatti - in partnership with New Works
Cover Photo: Saattvic
Photo: Saattvic
Class Description:
1. Instruction in Classical Kathak Movements: Gaurav and Vancouver-based North
Indian classical musicians will impart basic instruction in classical Kathak movements.
Participants will have the chance to learn fundamental steps, postures, and techniques that form the foundation of Kathak dance.
2. Introduction to Conceptual Building Blocks: Along with learning the dance movements, participants will be introduced to the conceptual building blocks of both the musical and dance traditions in Kathak. This aspect will likely involve understanding the rhythmic patterns, musical compositions, and how they intertwine with the dance form.
3. Guided Viewing of Traditional Kathak Performance: Gaurav and the dramaturg, Saattvic will lead a guided viewing of a traditional full-length classical Kathak performance. During this session, the emphasis will be on understanding the narrative structures used in Kathak performances. The importance of improvisation and various types of traditional will also be explored.
4. Teaching a Kathak-Contemporary Choreography Excerpt: Gaurav will teach a small excerpt from the Kathak-contemporary choreography that he has developed during the project. This will give participants a chance to experience the fusion of Kathak elements with contemporary dance expressions.
https://www.gauravbhattidance.ca/
Gaurav Bhatti: I am an accomplished dance educator and choreographer with a global teaching experience. Shakuntala production and teaching at Sushila Gandhi Centre for Women in Mumbai, India. I've conducted workshops in Toronto and Ottawa with Upasana The Spirit of Dance. I was invited to take 5 day workshop at the Dance City, NewCastle, UK for their second year students. I have choreographed and taught "Dashavatar" commisioned by Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company. Choreographed and taught at GDSF( Gauri Diwakar Sanskriti Foundation). In the UK, I taught at Aakash Odedra Company and served as a rehearsal director. Notably, I directed rehearsals for "Forbidden" at Sadler's Wells. Currently, I continue my rehearsal directorship for Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company in India and AOC in the UK. My ability to work with students of varying skill levels, styles and ages has allowed me to implant a love for dance and foster artistic growth in the next generation of dancers. I believe that dance is a universal language that transcends borders, cultures, and backgrounds. I am always excited and devoted to nurture the artistic growth of my students and give them enough tools to expressed themselves through movements and cultivate a deep love for the art of dance.
I look forward to continuing to share my passion and expertise with dancers around the world.