Kathak footwork and chakkars, broken down
Clean tatkaar and controlled turns are what make Kathak sparkle. Learn the footwork evenly and safely, spin without getting dizzy, and put it together in your first tukdas.
From Navatman, New York City’s school for Indian classical dance and music, teaching adults for 20+ years. Cancel anytime.
Fast footwork looks effortless. Learning it isn't.
- Your tatkaar is uneven, or one foot is louder than the other.
- You get dizzy or lose your balance in chakkars.
- Your knees or ankles ache after practice.
- You can't keep the taal while doing the footwork.
These courses slow everything down, then build speed with warm-ups and strength work so your feet and knees can handle it.
How it works
Start your free trial
Footwork, turns and tukda courses unlock right away.
Warm up, then drill
Every practice starts with ankle, knee and core prep.
Add rhythm
Move from footwork to tukdas in teentaal, at three speeds.
Courses on this path
Learn basic footwork and hand gestures in kathak
The foundation: taka taka, tatkaar and the first hand positions.
Footwork Combinations and Positions in Kathak
Even, clear footwork patterns and the positions around them.
Learn Basic Chakkars
Spotting, balance and the prep for safe, controlled turns.
Prepare the body: Basic Kathak Exercises
Ankle, knee and core strength for footwork.
Stamina and Warm-ups for Kathak
Build the stamina for longer footwork sequences.
Learn your first 10 Tukdas
Put footwork, hands and turns together in teentaal.
Who this is for
- Kathak beginners past their first lessons
- Returning dancers with rusty footwork
- Dancers whose knees or ankles complain after practice
- Anyone who wants cleaner, faster tatkaar
What students say
I'd forgotten how happy it makes me“I'm picking up dance again because I've forgotten how happy it genuinely makes me. Navatman, your online class library makes it possible for me to learn kathak again!”
— Rashi
The best and largest community“Sahi really emphasizes techniques that are sustainable and prevent long term injury, while maintaining the intricacies of the art form.”
— Anisha, dancing with Navatman for 5 years
Choose how you learn
Every monthly plan starts with a free 14-day trial. Cancel anytime.
Library
Self-paced. Every recorded step-by-step course in bharatanatyam, kathak, vocal and body conditioning.
Try Library freeStudio
Everything in Library, plus weekly live classes on Zoom, feedback from Navatman teachers, and full item courses.
Try Studio freeStudio Annual
Everything in Studio for a year, about $37.50 a month (45% less than monthly Studio).
Choose AnnualQuestions
How do I stop getting dizzy in chakkars?
Spotting (fixing your eyes on a point) and core control. Learn Basic Chakkars teaches both before speed.
How do I make my tatkaar even?
Slow, counted practice with both feet equal, then gradual speed. The footwork courses drill this at three tempos.
Do I need a special floor?
A wood or sprung floor is ideal. On hard floors, practice softer and shorter, and always warm up first.
What do I need to start?
A clear patch of floor about the size of a yoga mat, comfortable clothes you can move in, and a laptop, tablet or phone. No ankle bells, costume or prior training needed.
Do I need a credit card for the free trial?
Yes, checkout asks for a card so your plan can continue after 14 days. You won't be charged during the trial, and you can cancel anytime from your account.
Cleaner footwork starts with one lesson
Start your free trial and practice your tatkaar tonight.