Parallel paths - Kathak and Yoga

“A sharing of thoughts and experiences, giving an insight into the subject of the Indian Classical dance form, Kathak, and its relationship with Yoga.

following the light...
So fortunate are we to have great subjects and philosophies in our times, great teachers to guide us, and the freedom and ability to choose our paths. How I got on to this path? Well, having been through certain injuries and imbalances, the awareness of pain or discomfort naturally gave me the awareness to find ease - to listen and follow the right course. With this, and with the blessings of great teachers, I discovered the amazing science of Yoga and the Indian Classical dance form, Kathak.
   Both subjects follow a path to freedom, and in my life run parallel with each other, forming the tracks of this journey. My love for Kathak is one that has developed gradually, and it has given me much more than I could have ever imagined. I see Kathak as a healing art form that brings one closer to the true joyful nature of our self and, as with Yoga and meditation, fills one with spiritual nourishment.

the body in dance
Whilst training in ballet and contemporary dance technique, my body developed various habits and movement patterns that weren’t always encouraging freedom. The process was one of continuous learning, unlearning and re-learning, until I found a safe and functional way to work. On an anatomical, functional and energetic level, Kathak taught me, or re-taught me, how to use my body naturally.
   Kathak works in a similar way to Yoga. It flows with the natural rhythms of the body, and brings us into alignment. In Yoga, as we rise on our toes and work with breath, we are taught to balance the awareness into every part of the body, encouraging movement that is controlled, yet at ease. It is this same awareness and grace that Guruji teaches in Kathak. As a big part of Kathak is story-telling, we are taught how to execute everyday gestures. As we turn our heads to look around us, naturally our spine moves to accommodate, and as we make various mudras such as offering flowers, naturally the elbows bend. When our bodies display certain imbalances, these natural ways of moving do not happen so easily...”

   The article, which is written by Kala, continues to describe the many other similarities between Kathak and Yoga. Kala is training to be a Chi Kri Yoga Teacher, under the guidance of Neil Patel. She has been learning Kathak for 6 years under Guru Abhay Shankar Mishra, resident Kathak teacher of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, UK and recently performed her solo debut performance, or Rang Manch Pravesh. Kala has graduated from Northern School of Contemporary Dance, with a BPA (Hons) Degree in Contemporary Dance, and continues to explore fields in body therapy and movement.
   For further details of Chi Kri Yoga, visit www.chikri.com and www.chikribeats.com.For details of Kathak dancing at the Bhavan, visit www.abhayshankar.com. A new class combining Yoga and Kathak, called Chi Kri Kathak, is about to begin, led by Neesha Radia. Kala welcomes feedback from her article on kala164@hotmail.com.