Classes
Katha Dance Theatre Summer Session ’25
June 1 – July 29
In-person and Virtual Kathak Classes
IMPORTANT NOTE: Our new studio address is: 5704 West 36th Street, St. Louis Park, MN 55416.
Enrollment deadline: June 5.
Welcome to our 2025 Summer Session! We’re excited to offer an eight week session with Kathak classes for everyone from brand new beginners to experienced students who are excited to add to their Kathak vocabulary.
New Students will be introduced to the dynamic storytelling dance tradition in a supportive and welcoming environment.
The Parent & Me class will allow preschool-age kids and their caregivers to explore how to tell stories creatively and in a fun way through games, basic Indian dance movements, hand gestures, music and rhythm. Parents are in the classroom to avoid separation anxiety at this tender age and allow the students to be engaged and supported in their first dance experience.
Children ages 6+ and teen/adult dancers will discover the fundamentals of Kathak dance in a welcoming and supportive environment. This eight-week series introduces key techniques such as basic movements, footwork, spins and storytelling techniques helping students build confidence, coordination and creative expression.
The session will culminate with an informal in-studio showing for students’ family. All new beginner classes will be taught by KDT instructor and Company member Shilpi Chatterjee.
Returning students will spend the first half of each class refining technique and the second half learning a complete dance sequence that can be performed at Diwali celebrations.
These classes will be led by KDT Artistic Director and master teacher Rita Mustaphi. They’ll serve as a one-of-a-kind opportunity for beginners through advanced students to refine their skills, push themselves, and have fun in an eight-week session led by one of this world’s finest Kathak gurus.
In class, we emphasize strong classical Kathak technique, graceful movements, intricate footwork, pirouettes and storytelling to radiate energy and joy. Our beautiful St. Louis Park studio offers a warm and welcoming environment to all KDT students. Kathak is so much more than a dance style. It promotes artistic expression and creativity; increases flexibility, agility, and grace; establishes strong mind-body connections and coordination; and provides important cultural context and knowledge. It is also adaptable to any skill level; all dancers at or over the age of 6 are welcome!
KDT was founded by Rita Mustaphi, one of Kathak’s leading performers and choreographers. Since founding KDT over three decades ago, she has consistently been at the forefront of Kathak’s cultural preservation, as well as its development as an art form. She is a disciple of the late Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj, who frequently led KDT master classes and workshops over the years. Under Rita’s guidance as Master Teacher, our School offers world-class Kathak education for dancers of all ages and abilities, with levels ranging from introductory to advanced.
Location: KDT Studio in St. Louis Park
5704 West 36th Street, St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Note: any class with fewer than 5 registrants will be canceled.
Registration includes submission of a full tuition payment through our website below. Scholarships are available on a basis of financial need or merit, and are awarded at the discretion of our teaching staff. Please contact us for more information.
We strive to make our programming accessible to people of all backgrounds and abilities. Please contact us to let us know how we can meet your needs.
PLEASE NOTE: any tuition payment made over 1 week following the beginning of the session will be subject to a $10 late fee.
Select your class and enroll below.
Available Classes
Have More Questions?
Read more about our classroom policies on our FAQ page.
Classroom Policies
- Required class attire includes comfortable, loose fitting clothes (such as a t-shirt and loose-fitting pants or a dress and leggings). If available, wearing kurta and pajama (Indian shirt and pants), and a set of ghungru (ankle bells) is encouraged.
- Students must refrain from eating, drinking, or chewing gum during class. Water is permitted, but we ask that students bring their own water bottle to class.
- Any outside video or audio recording of our classes is strictly prohibited.
- Masking in the studio is not required, but welcome.
- Overall, we expect students to show respect to their teacher, be courteous to all fellow students, and approach learning with sincerity and enthusiasm by practicing at home and during breaks.
Additional policies regarding performances, classroom protocol, and evaluations can be viewed in the Student Handbook.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available by request and are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need as well as skill and/or commitment. We ask that requests for financial assistance this Fall be emailed to the office before September 6. Financial assistance is awarded at the sole discretion of Katha Dance Theatre and is subject to available funding.
Have more questions?
Don’t hesitate to reach out with any additional questions. Email us below: