An Introduction to Kathak
Indian classical dance practice for increased harmony,
energy and bliss
With Yagyaa Srivastava
The course is open to everyone
No prior training in dance required
Live online
2, 9, 16 and 23 March, 2025
Available in English and other languages based on demand
Course fee: 188 €
(There is a reduced price for residents of lower-income countries, please see the application form.)
Affiliates of the International Maharishi AyurVeda Foundation (IMAVF) receive a reduction of 10% on the course fee. Repeaters of this course get a 50% discount.
remaining
About the course
His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi said about Indian classical dance, that it is the most natural and complete technology for enlivening the relationship between transcendental, self-referral Being and its expression in the world of physiology.
The practice of Indian classical dances deeply de-stresses the physiology and we can experience greater bliss, harmony, creativity and energy. It also complements the practice of Transcendental Meditation and its advanced programmes, making our experiences deeper.
We use the term “Vedic” while referring to the classical dance forms of India which have their roots in Vedic literature, and with reference to the Science and Technology of Consciousness as brought out by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
Yagyaa Srivastava speaks on Kathak and what makes Indian Classical Dances “Vedic”
Dance is a great way to enliven and energize the various body functions. Various movements of Indian classical dance – those of the hands, legs, torso, head, neck and even the fingers and eyes when done to the accompanying rhythm help in achieving holistic wellness of our physiologies.
The classical dance style that you will learn is called Kathak, which comes from the northern part of India. The dance is characterised by graceful movements of the hands and body, energetic footwork, and delicate expressions of the face. Spins or pirouettes are also included in this form.
Your benefits from this course
In this 4-sessions beginners course in Kathak, you will learn simple movements of the hands, feet, and body that can be done for just 10-15 minutes a day. These movements enliven the physiology and allow you to enjoy the immense health benefits of Vedic Dance that include improved blood circulation, increased strength, stamina, and flexibility.
Although there are many different kinds of movements that make up the dance, movements can be chosen and practised as per an individual’s physiological requirements.
In this course, you will:
- Gain an understanding into the principles of Vedic Dance and its therapeutic value, and learn the basic movements in the graceful classical dance style of Kathak
- Practise live with the faculty. Receive feedback, address questions during interaction
- Get access to recordings of the live meetings for 3 months
- Receive music for self-practise
Joining the course
Since you will be required to dance, you are advised to select a space where you can move easily and freely in front of your laptop / camera, away from any distractions and preferably from a closed, indoor space.
For maximum effectiveness, it is best to have your video on at all times during the sessions to enable feedback. In case you are not comfortable having the video on, you may choose to join without the video.
Please be dressed in comfortable, loose clothing that will allow free movement of the body.
Technical requirements to join are that you have a desktop, laptop, or mobile device that can access the internet. The live online sessions will be conducted via Zoom video conferencing software. Instructions for using Zoom, and login details for joining the course, will be provided before the course. You can watch the course live on Zoom or later on see it on our online platform for three months afterwards.
Course structure
4 Sundays
2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd March 2025
10.30 AM to 12.00 PM CET
with a 10 minute break
Testimonials
I loved your workshop. The movements were blissful to do and were demonstrated and explained very well. It was most inspiring.
– Christian, UK
I felt as if the different hand gestures and positions were aligning me physically, mentally, and spiritually with Natural Law.
– Maria, Germany
Course leader
Yagyaa Srivastava
Yagyaa Srivastava is a kathak dancer from India. A Masters in Business Administration by education and a dancer by calling, she chose her love for dance as a full-time pursuit over a career in advertising where she spent over 7 years of her professional life.
A long-time meditator and Yogic flyer, Yagyaa is a Faculty of Kathak in the Department of Vedic Dance Therapy established by His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi under the Maharishi College of Perfect Health International. With her long years of dedicated training in Indian classical dance in New Delhi, India, she integrates her experiences of Transcendental Meditation with her knowledge of Indian classical dance and seeks to share a holistic approach towards wellness and personal growth through the practise of Vedic Dance.
