"In order to understand the dance one must be still.
And in order to truly understand stillness one must dance."
~ Rumi
The language - Kathak
Kathak, from the root word "katha" can be loosely understood as storytelling. It is one of the 8 classical dance styles of India.
In ancient India, there were "Kathakars" or bards who used to recite religious and mythological tales to the accompaniment of music, mime and dance. The dance style has evolved over time, being shaped by regional and cultural influences from different parts of the Indian subcontinent.
For me, Kathak goes much beyond its traditional understanding as ‘story-telling’ and becomes a means of expressing the Self; a form of communication between the body and the space around it; more than an outward expression, a journey within.
The body aligns itself to the rhythm and melody of the accompanying music, the feet, the hands, the face, all in complete synergy creating movements using the space and energy around, and the dance becomes a landscape for the soul.
A consonance of the body, mind and soul makes the dance akin to meditation, a state of conscious, mindful ‘being’.
Projects
Classes & Workshops
Jani Rasera, USA
"It was utterly delightful to take dance lessons from Yagya. It was not only very inspiring to watch her dance, but it was enjoyable and easy to follow her training. Her enthusiasm is contagious and her approach to teaching is both kind and professional."
Maria, Germany
"….After each dance session, I felt as if I had evolved. Thank you so much."
Violaa, Germany
"It’s a very nice and enjoyable feeling to be able to express one's inner devotional feeling also through the body with gestures and mudras where the expression feels very holistic."
Christian, UK
"I loved your workshop. The movements were blissful to do and were demonstrated and explained very well. It was most inspiring."