An Introduction to Kathak
Vedic Dance for harmony, vitality and bliss
In-residence course at the Peace Palace of Istanbul, Türkiye
3–9 October 2026
With Yagyaa Srivastava
Open to all.
No prior dance experience required.
Course language: English
About the course
His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi described Indian classical dance as the most natural and complete technology for enlivening the relationship between transcendental, self-referral Being and its expression in the physiology.
Rooted in Vedic literature and brought to light through Maharishi’s Science and Technology of Consciousness, the Indian classical dance style of Kathak is far more than an art form. It is a profound practice of self-discovery. Even just 10–15 minutes of daily practice deeply de-stresses the body, improves blood circulation, builds strength, stamina, and flexibility – and deepens our experience of Transcendental Meditation and its advanced techniques.
Yagyaa Srivastava speaks on Kathak and what makes Indian Classical Dances “Vedic”
Since Indian classical dance involves a wide range of movements, the movements can always be adapted to suit individual physiological needs — so everyone can participate fully and joyfully.
Your benefits from this course
In this 6-day residential course, you will:
- Gain a grounded understanding of the principles of Vedic Dance and its remarkable therapeutic value
- Learn the concepts of rhythm and melody, and graceful, accessible Kathak movements for beginners
- Practice together as a group, receive personal feedback, and have all your questions addressed
- Receive music for daily home practice
- Listen to insightful Maharishi tapes and gather for nourishing group discussions
Course fee: €600
Accommodation not included.
Please find options for room and board below.
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.
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
Starting Saturday, 3 October, at 8 pm (TRT)
3 October:
Arrival day,
7:30 pm dinner, 8:00 pm orientation and introduction
4–9 October:
Full course days
9 October, afternoon:
Course conclusion and celebration
10 October:
Departure day or optional sightseeing
Venue accommodation, and visa
Venue
The Maharishi Peace Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, is a beautiful place dedicated to Maharishi’s knowledge. It is built according to ancient Vedic principles that promote a healthy and happy life – an ideal place to focus on the course and enjoy TM and TM Sidhi Programme in a group. The guest rooms have a private bathroom.
The Peace Palace is 15 minutes drive from the International Istanbul Airport (IST.) By taxi, it costs about 20 €. If the driver writes BOLLUCA BARIŞ SARAYI to the navigation, he can find the location. (The address is: Bolluca Mahallesi, İris sokak No 5 ARNAVUTKÖY.)
Sabiha Gokçen airport (SAW) is much further away, but it is possible to come to the Peace Palace by taking a taxi, which may cost around 60 € (1 hour drive), or taking a shuttle bus to Istanbul airport (10 €) and from there taking a taxi (ca. 20 €).
Accommodation and meals
Beautiful guestrooms are available at the Peace Palace of Istanbul. Reserve your room in the application form. Payment for the room is due on arrival. The prices include meals.
Single room, 7 nights: 315€
Per person in double room, 7 nights: 280€*
*We will support you to find a roommate. If none can be found, the price for a single room will apply.
You are welcome to arrive earlier or stay longer. Perhaps you would like to take the opportunity to see the beautiful city of Istanbul after the course?
Visa
If you need an invitation letter for your visa, please apply early for the course. Contact us and send your information for the invitation letter as soon as possible.
What participants say about previous Kathak courses
“…Beyond my expectations….you feel this wholeness…it’s like connecting your body, your emotions, the brain, your whole self feels alive…like expressing Natural Law..”
– Miryam Lopez, Spain
“…Felt grace increasing in me, and lightness in movements…practising (dance) with this group of ladies was like connecting with our inner feminine divinity…”
– Spandana, India
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.
