Classes
Katha Dance Theatre Summer Intensive 2024
Guest Instructor: Guru Saswati Sen
June 24 – 28, 2024
In-person and Virtual
IMPORTANT NOTE: our intensive is taking place at our new studio, which is located just down the street from our old space.
Our new studio address is: 5704 West 36th Street, St. Louis Park, MN 55416.
Welcome to our 2024 Summer Intensive! Students worldwide are invited to join us for our intensive, which will take place in our studio and online via Zoom. Students are required to have at least 2 years of Kathak experience to participate.
We’re so pleased to announce that our 2024 intensive classes will be conducted by a visiting instructor – internationally renowned Kathak master Guru Saswati Sen, the senior-most disciple of the late Pandit Birju Maharaj. *Following the intensive, Ms. Sen will be giving a one-night-only performance at Hopkins High School on June 29, 2024. Ms. Sen’s solo performance (starting at 7:30 pm) will be followed by a performance of SUFIANA by Maitreyee Pahari and the dancers of Lok Chhanda. This can’t-miss show will feature some of the world’s leading performers of classical Indian dance. More info to come!*
Guru Saswati Sen will give professional instruction in a structured and focused setting. These Summer Intensives are comprehensive evening programs providing the finest professional instruction for all ages, for those students striving to reach their full potential. Motivated students with at least two years of consistent training will receive first-class dance training among a student body of versatile dancers who strive for excellence. This training offers intermediate-to-advanced dancers an opportunity to train in-person in a vibrant professional environment.
Saswati Sen was initially trained by the eminent Kathak Guru, Srimati Reba Vidyarthi at Kathak Kendra, New Delhi and later for her advanced training she moved to the reigning guru of the Lucknow gharana — Pandit Birju Maharaj. With such a foundation in Kathak and with her innate talent, perseverance and devotion, Saswati became an internationally acclaimed Kathak dancer – the embodiment of the Lucknow gharana’s grace and power, and an exemplar of her Guru’s particular creativity. Saswati’s tireless efforts to spread Maharaji’s style through performances, workshops, master classes throughout the world and also establishing his institution, Kalashram, New Delhi, speaks volume of her artistry and devotion to the art form of Kathak.
Acknowledging her contributions to the art of Kathak, The Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s National Academy of Dance Music and Drama, presented Ms. Sen with its life-time Achievement Award in 2004. She is also the recipient of the Sanskriti Award, the Shringar Mani Award and the Critic’s Recommendation Award. So clearly along with her individual accomplishments as a renowned Kathak dancer, she has made contributions to the entire Kathak community. In addition to her individual accomplishments as a renowned Kathak dancer, Saswati has made contributions to the entire Kathak community. Of fundamental importance has been her decades-long assistance to Pt. Birju Maharaj in conceptualizing, recording and publishing books and music about the Lucknow gharana technique and repertoire. These projects have extended Pt. Birju Maharaj’s and his gharana’s legacy and given his students resources to continue performing and teaching according to his principles. These include the CHAND KAAVYA series of recordings, the ANG KAAVYA compendium of fundamental movements and their nomenclature, the RAS GUNJAN collection of Bindadin Maharaj poetry which forms the core of the Lucknow Kathak repertoire, and the video KATHAK PRICHAYA Parts I & II. Saswati’s 2013 biography of Pt. Birju Maharaj, “The Master Through My Eyes”, provides a personal perspective on Maharaji’s life, and also includes a large gallery of photographs and essays by some of the dancers he has trained
Saswati Sen is planning to teach a storytelling Kathak dance set to specific music for each group.
No drop-ins are allowed!
Location: KDT Studio in St. Louis Park
NEW STUDIO ADDRESS (just down the street from our previous studio):
5704 West 36th Street, St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Classes will be offered to the following groups of KDT students:
- Group A (Children – adults with 2 or more years of Kathak learning)
- Group B (Youth and Adults with 4 or more years of Kathak learning)
- Group C (Youth and Adults with 6 or more years of Kathak learning)
Class duration and timing (all class times are in CT):
Group A (Children – Adult) 1-hr. class: 6 – 7 PM
Group B (Youth & Adult) 1-hr. class: 7:10 – 8:10 PM
Group C (Youth & Adult) 1.5 Hr. class: 8:20 – 9:50 PM
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.
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 is encouraged for all in-person students, regardless of one’s vaccination status.
- Proof of vaccination is no longer required.
- All in-person students are required to abide by our safety measures and code of conduct,
- 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: