Learn Kathak online, one short lesson at a time
Start with the footwork and finish spinning your first chakkars and dancing your first tukdas. Lessons are short, the order is clear, and every step comes with the body prep that keeps your knees and ankles safe.
From Navatman, New York City’s school for Indian classical dance and music, teaching adults for 20+ years. Cancel anytime.
Kathak looks joyful. Starting it feels intimidating.
- The footwork is fast and nobody slows down to show you how.
- You don't know the counts, the bols, or where to even begin.
- There's no Kathak teacher near you, or the class times don't work.
- You don't want to injure your knees learning tatkaar on a hard floor.
The Absolute Beginner Kathak Course breaks each piece down: feet first, then hands, then turns, then putting them together to rhythm.
How it works
Start your free trial
Pick Library or Studio and open the course right away.
Follow the chapters in order
Body prep, footwork, hand gestures, turns, then your first tukdas.
Practice 10 to 20 minutes a day
Repeat any lesson. Tukda review videos let you practice at three speeds.
Your Kathak path
Start with the 41-lesson Absolute Beginner Kathak Course, then keep going with the courses that build on it:
Absolute Beginner Kathak Course
Your step-by-step start: namaskar, taka taka footwork, tatkaar, hand gestures, chakkars, angles and your first tukdas.
Footwork Combinations and Positions in Kathak
Build clean, even footwork and the positions you'll use everywhere.
Learn Basic Chakkars
Spin without getting dizzy, with the prep that makes turns safe.
Hand Gestures in Kathak: the first 5
The hand positions that frame every Kathak movement.
Prepare the body: Basic Kathak Exercises
Warm-ups and strength work for ankles, knees and core.
Learn your first 10 Tukdas
Short rhythmic compositions in teentaal, in order, with review videos.
Who this is for
- Adults with no dance background
- Bharatanatyam dancers curious about Kathak
- Anyone without a Kathak teacher nearby
- Former students picking it back up
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
It's never too late“I was uncertain whether it is too late to learn a dance form or will I ever be able to perform on stage. But, you assured me it's never too late, and that learning art and dance is possible at any age.”
— Harshada
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
Can I really learn Kathak online?
Yes. The foundations (footwork, posture, hands, turns and counting) are taught best slowly and on repeat, which is exactly what video lets you do. Studio members can also join live classes on Zoom for feedback.
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 ghungroo (ankle bells)?
Not to start. Learn the footwork barefoot or in socks first; ghungroo can come later.
Is Kathak hard on the knees?
Good technique protects them. Every footwork lesson is paired with warm-ups and strength work for ankles, knees and core.
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.
Your first Kathak lesson is waiting
Start the free trial and learn taka taka footwork tonight.