--- url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-int/course/kathak/advanced' title: 'Advanced Kathak course: recital and choreography | KalaSudha' author: name: rajeevk url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-int/user/fce96177fd193d3a' date: '2026-11-01T03:14:02+00:00' updated: '2026-11-01T03:28:47+00:00' type: website summary: 'Advanced Kathak, prepared by KalaSudha: extended nritta across four cycles, three expressive studies, original composition, supervised teaching and a recital.' tags: - Advanced - Kathak image: 'https://files.kalasudha.com/styles/d12_standard/public/mcp-imported/Kathak-Dance-Course-Lesson-Online-Cohort-KalaSudha.jpg?VersionId=4_zf58621fa0f456059ae110919_f10421ed4f333b6bd_d20261101_m023547_c003_v0312014_t0020_u01793500547577&h=82966a5b&itok=qzWFO4c0' published: true og: site_name: KalaSudha 'image:url': 'https://files.kalasudha.com/styles/d12_standard/public/mcp-imported/Kathak-Dance-Course-Lesson-Online-Cohort-KalaSudha.jpg?VersionId=4_zf58621fa0f456059ae110919_f10421ed4f333b6bd_d20261101_m023547_c003_v0312014_t0020_u01793500547577&h=82966a5b&itok=qzWFO4c0' 'image:secure_url': 'https://files.kalasudha.com/styles/d12_standard/public/mcp-imported/Kathak-Dance-Course-Lesson-Online-Cohort-KalaSudha.jpg?VersionId=4_zf58621fa0f456059ae110919_f10421ed4f333b6bd_d20261101_m023547_c003_v0312014_t0020_u01793500547577&h=82966a5b&itok=qzWFO4c0' 'image:type': image/jpeg 'image:width': '1200' 'image:height': '675' 'image:alt': 'A Kathak dancer in a red kurta and ankle bells holds a pose with one arm extended in a bright practice room with a wooden floor and a patterned rug' --- Advanced Level — Kathak Advanced Levels 3A–3C Kathak · Kathak # Advanced Kathak Advanced Kathak, prepared by KalaSudha: extended nritta across four cycles, three expressive studies, original composition, supervised teaching and a recital. - 3 modules - 36 topics [ Show interest ](/en-int/course/kathak/advanced/show-interest) [ View curriculum ](#curriculum) What you'll master ## Skills you will carry forward - Present twelve tukras across four suggested cycles with secure padhant and returns. - Notate six tihais and dance a counted multi-cycle design with correct gaps and arrival. - Perform ten minutes of nritta with purposeful progression and a balanced closing study. - Present three distinct expressive studies and explain each character's intention. - Compose and notate at least two cycles of original nritta and perform it. - Teach a twenty-minute Foundation lesson and give a recital of at least thirty minutes. ## About this course **Advanced Kathak** prepares a solo recital of at least thirty minutes, with original composition and supervised teaching alongside. You enter after Intermediate or a placement against its milestones. It is the third level of the Kathak course prepared by KalaSudha. Module 3A builds twelve tukras across the suggested Teentaal, Jhaptal, Ektal and Dhamar, four parans with a counted chakradar, six tihais including a multi-cycle design, and deliberate control of dynamics. You organise them into ten minutes of nritta that progresses rather than lists pieces. Module 3B develops three **expressive studies**, including a narrative and a text-based abhinaya work, multiple readings of one text and source-based analysis of four gharanas, such as [Raigarh](/en-int/gharana/raigarh-gharana). You also interpret live with an accompanist. Module 3C prepares the recital: a four-week practice log, a balanced programme, an original nritta composition of at least two cycles and a twenty-minute Foundation lesson you teach under supervision. In a cohort, an elective has you plan and stage a short group work with roles, spacing and cues. Your teacher and a second qualified assessor review the recital and a live viva, and the level leads to a KalaSudha award. [Ask about Advanced in the Academy](/en-int/academy). Your learning journey ## The three Advanced modules Advanced extends nritta first, then interpretation and style, then the complete portfolio and recital. Original composition and supervised teaching are compulsory for every learner. - ### Module 3A: advanced nritta and repertoire Transcribe a bol passage and set the Advanced working pulse. Develop twelve tukras across four suggested cycles, four parans and six tihais. Vary dynamics on purpose and organise ten minutes of extended nritta. - ### Module 3B: abhinaya, style and improvisation Review text meanings and sources, develop three expressive studies and several readings of one text. Study three accompaniment ragas and analyse four gharanas with sourced evidence. Interpret live with an accompanist. - ### Module 3C: the performer, choreographer and teacher Plan preparation and a thirty-minute run, and balance the recital programme. Compose and notate a dance study and teach a Foundation topic. Prepare stagecraft and cues, then give the recital and live viva. Your learning journey ## Curriculum 36 topics Sanchari · 3A Advanced Nritta and Repertoire Sanchari · 3B Abhinaya, Style and Improvisation Sanchari · 3C The Performer, Choreographer and Teacher ### Sanchari 3A · Advanced Nritta and Repertoire 16 available topics; 12 on your path. #### Core topics Every learner takes these 8 1. Topic 01 #### Technique and Repertoire Placement Review Intermediate evidence and transcribe a supplied bol passage before setting the Advanced working pulse. **Ready to move on when:** Transcribe a four-matra phrase with movement cues and identify two technique priorities from a recording. 2. Topic 02 #### Twelve Tukras Across Four Cycles Develop twelve cumulative tukras across the four proposed practical talas. **Ready to move on when:** Present six in proposed Teentaal and two each in Jhaptal, Ektal and Dhamar with secure padhant and returns. 3. Topic 03 #### Four Parans and Rhythmic Design Develop four cumulative parans including a counted chakradar study. **Ready to move on when:** Perform all four with the assigned articulation and explain the chakradar's internal structure. 4. Topic 04 #### Six Tihais and Multi-Cycle Counting Develop six cumulative tihais including a counted multi-cycle design. **Ready to move on when:** Notate all six and demonstrate the multi-cycle design with correct repeats, gaps and arrival. 5. Topic 05 #### Movement Dynamics and Foot Sound Vary dynamics and articulation deliberately while retaining coordination through rhythmic changes. **Ready to move on when:** Demonstrate three intended dynamic treatments and distinguish them from accidental unevenness. 6. Topic 06 #### Extended Nritta Architecture Organise learnt compositions into an extended development rather than a list of pieces. **Ready to move on when:** Perform ten minutes with purposeful progression, transitions and a balanced closing study. 7. Topic 07 #### Guided Nritta and Accompaniment Review Rehearse the extended sequence and negotiate cues with a teacher or accompanist. **Ready to move on when:** Complete six cue-and-response exchanges and correct one transition in the sequence. 8. Topic 08 #### Module 3A Presentation Present the developed nritta repertoire and explain its structure. **Ready to move on when:** Meet C2-C6 criteria and maintain control through a fifteen-minute continuous presentation. #### Electives Your teacher fills 4 open slots from these electives, their own topics or both. - Elective #### Additional Tala Repertoire Practise additional tala repertoire through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Develop one composition in proposed Rupak or another agreed additional cycle. - Elective #### Longer Tatkar Development Practise longer tatkar development through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Sustain an approved three-minute development with planned density and dynamic changes. - Elective #### Advanced Notation Transcription Practise advanced notation transcription through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Transcribe a supplied composition and test the notation against the recording. - Elective #### Extended Jugalbandi Practise extended jugalbandi through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Complete an approved exchange sequence with a live accompanist and agree the final cue. - Elective #### Jaipur Developed Paran Practise jaipur developed paran through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Perform a practitioner-approved Jaipur composition with its assigned rhythmic and movement detail. - Elective #### Lucknow Nritta Phrasing Practise lucknow nritta phrasing through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Perform an approved Lucknow study and defend its bol articulation and movement treatment. - Elective #### Janakiprasad Barakhadi Extract Practise janakiprasad barakhadi extract through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Perform a practitioner-supplied barakhadi extract and explain its place in the taught repertoire. - Elective #### Raigarh Attributed Bol Design Practise raigarh attributed bol design through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Present a practitioner-approved Raigarh design with notation and documented attribution. ### Sanchari 3B · Abhinaya, Style and Improvisation 17 available topics; 12 on your path. #### Core topics Every learner takes these 8 1. Topic 01 #### Source and Interpretation Review Review text meanings, translation choices and repertoire provenance. **Ready to move on when:** Identify sources for the three expressive studies and correct one unsupported interpretive claim. 2. Topic 02 #### Three Developed Expressive Studies Develop three cumulative expressive studies including narrative and song interpretation. **Ready to move on when:** Present three distinct studies, with one developed narrative and one text-based abhinaya work, and explain each character's intention. 3. Topic 03 #### Character Changes and Upaj Develop multiple readings of one text without losing its context. **Ready to move on when:** Respond to a new text prompt with three coherent interpretations and distinguish character, narrator and audience focus. 4. Topic 04 #### Music for Advanced Interpretation Study three taught accompaniment ragas and distinguish their relevant melodic features. **Ready to move on when:** Identify reference swaras and characteristic phrases across all three and demonstrate how an altered phrase changes an intended entry. 5. Topic 05 #### Comparative Gharana Analysis Analyse four gharanas through sourced compositions, movement and interpretation. **Ready to move on when:** Defend four timestamped comparisons and explain which features are shared, branch-specific or personal choices. 6. Topic 06 #### Interpreting with an Accompanist Negotiate text delivery, tempo and cueing with another performer. **Ready to move on when:** Complete a live interpretive exchange with agreed cues, an unexpected change and a controlled recovery. 7. Topic 07 #### Guided Expressive Programme Rehearse ten minutes of expressive material with full-body and facial visibility. **Ready to move on when:** Sustain character and phrasing and revise one passage after comparing recordings. 8. Topic 08 #### Module 3B Presentation and Viva Present the developed interpretations and defend their musical and stylistic choices. **Ready to move on when:** Meet C2-C6 criteria and answer live questions using the text and video evidence. #### Electives Your teacher fills 4 open slots from these electives, their own topics or both. - Elective #### Comparative Song Interpretation Practise comparative song interpretation through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Interpret two contrasting texts and explain their different dramatic contexts. - Elective #### Baithak Expression Study Practise baithak expression study through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Present a teacher-approved seated expressive study without replacing required full-body movement evidence. - Elective #### Singing and Lehra Extension Practise singing and lehra extension through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Sing a passage or play a short lehra on an available suitable instrument as optional ancillary work. - Elective #### Improvisation from New Text Practise improvisation from new text through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Develop a three-minute interpretation from a new approved text prompt. - Elective #### Jaipur Expressive Repertoire Practise jaipur expressive repertoire through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Interpret a practitioner-supplied Jaipur work without reducing the school to footwork alone. - Elective #### Lucknow Text Elaboration Practise lucknow text elaboration through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Develop multiple interpretations of a supplied thumri or ghazal passage with practitioner guidance. - Elective #### Janakiprasad Integrated Interpretation Practise janakiprasad integrated interpretation through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Retain the supplied relationship between syllable, body line and expression through a developed study. - Elective #### Raigarh Narrative Composition Practise raigarh narrative composition through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Interpret an attributed Raigarh repertoire item using the supplied movement and text treatment. - Elective #### Text Translation Clinic Practise text translation clinic through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Compare two translations of a taught passage and defend three interpretive choices in movement. ### Sanchari 3C · The Performer, Choreographer and Teacher 18 available topics; 12 on your path. #### Core topics Every learner takes these 8 1. Topic 01 #### Concert Preparation and Endurance Plan preparation, recovery periods and recording review for the final programme. **Ready to move on when:** Keep a four-week practice log and complete an approved thirty-minute run with controlled technique. 2. Topic 02 #### Portfolio and Programme Design Assemble the complete repertoire and balance nritta and expressive work in the recital. **Ready to move on when:** Document all required forms and plan thirty minutes including at least ten minutes of expressive work and a rhythmic closing study. 3. Topic 03 #### Compose and Notate a Dance Study Create a bounded nritta composition with movement, bols and a clear return. **Ready to move on when:** Compose at least two cycles, notate the design and perform it with an explained arrival on sam. 4. Topic 04 #### Teach a Foundation Topic Plan and teach one Foundation topic under supervision. **Ready to move on when:** Teach twenty minutes, diagnose a learner's error and revise the plan after supervisor feedback. 5. Topic 05 #### Musical and Historical Evidence Review Review pitch, swara, raga and source-based knowledge without requiring vocal performance. **Ready to move on when:** Pass the three-raga listening tasks, explain one notation choice and distinguish a documented history claim from an attributed account. 6. Topic 06 #### Live Response and Stagecraft Demonstrate responsive performance and prepare the recital's space, sound and introductions. **Ready to move on when:** Complete a live exchange with a teacher or accompanist and explain cueing, entries and recording or stage arrangements. 7. Topic 07 #### Guided Recital and Evidence Review Rehearse the solo programme and check every outstanding milestone. **Ready to move on when:** Complete a continuous thirty-minute rehearsal with ten minutes of expression and assemble evidence for both assessors. 8. Topic 08 #### Advanced Recital, Portfolio and Viva Present the recital and defend the portfolio before two qualified assessors. **Ready to move on when:** Complete thirty minutes including ten minutes of expression, a live viva and all eighteen milestone checks with both assessors' agreement. #### Electives Your teacher fills 4 open slots from these electives, their own topics or both. - Elective #### Group Choreography Practise group choreography through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Plan and stage a short group work with documented roles, spacing and cues. - Elective #### Teaching a Small Group Practise teaching a small group through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Teach one Foundation task to three learners and give distinct corrective feedback. - Elective #### Longer Solo Programme Practise longer solo programme through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Prepare a forty-five-minute programme. - Elective #### Source-Based Research Note Practise source-based research note through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Compare two sources for a repertoire claim and state the unresolved evidence. - Elective #### Jaipur Specialist Portfolio Practise jaipur specialist portfolio through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Present an approved Jaipur selection and document its teacher, repertoire and style evidence. - Elective #### Lucknow Specialist Portfolio Practise lucknow specialist portfolio through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Present an approved Lucknow selection and defend the taught interpretation. - Elective #### Janakiprasad Specialist Portfolio Practise janakiprasad specialist portfolio through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Present an approved Janakiprasad selection and document its syllable and movement evidence. - Elective #### Raigarh Specialist Portfolio Practise raigarh specialist portfolio through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Present an attributed Raigarh selection with practitioner-approved notation and interpretation. - Elective #### Solo Stage Cue Plan Practise solo stage cue plan through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Plan and rehearse four sound, entry or ending cues for a solo presentation. - Elective #### Independent Recording Review Practise independent recording review through a bounded teacher-supplied study. **Ready to move on when:** Annotate five observations from a complete recording and propose a two-week corrective plan. Advanced pathway ## How this level progresses 3 structured modules, taken in order. Modules are taken in sequence 1. 3A Level 3A ### Sanchari 3A · Advanced Nritta and Repertoire Topics 12 topics Activities 64 activities 2. 3B Level 3B ### Sanchari 3B · Abhinaya, Style and Improvisation Topics 12 topics Activities 68 activities 3. 3C Level 3C ### Sanchari 3C · The Performer, Choreographer and Teacher Topics 12 topics Activities 72 activities ## Inside Advanced - ### Nritta as an arc Organise twelve tukras, four parans and six tihais into an extended development with purposeful transitions and a balanced close. - ### Interpretation you can defend Develop three expressive studies, offer several readings of one text and support your style choices with sourced evidence. - ### Choreographer and teacher Compose original nritta with notation, and teach a Foundation topic while a supervisor records your correction and revision. ## Before you begin - Complete Intermediate Kathak or meet its milestones in a placement with your teacher. - Be able to perform parans, three tihais, a gat bhav and a song interpretation. ## Frequently asked questions How do I prepare for my first Kathak performance? Preparation for a first Kathak recital runs through Advanced. Module 3C asks for a four-week practice log with recovery periods and recording review, and an approved thirty-minute run with controlled technique. You balance nritta and expression in the programme, prepare the space, sound and introductions, then perform at least thirty minutes and answer a live viva. How is the Advanced level of the Kathak course assessed? The Advanced level of the Kathak course ends with a solo recital of at least thirty minutes: at least ten minutes of expression, a balanced nritta arc, a rhythmic closing study and at least two talas. It is live or continuously recorded, and a live viva follows. Your teacher and a second qualified assessor both agree each milestone. You also submit original notated nritta and a supervised lesson, and complete six live exchanges and a text-based interpretive exchange. Do I learn choreography and teaching at Advanced Kathak? Yes. Advanced Kathak includes an original nritta composition of at least two cycles, notated and performed with an explained arrival on sam. A group choreography is an elective. You also plan and teach a twenty-minute Foundation lesson under supervision, diagnose a learner's error and revise your plan after feedback. Can I use recorded music for my Kathak recital? Yes. An approved accompaniment track is accepted for the Advanced Kathak recital, live or continuously recorded, with your whole body visible, your feet audible and your face clear. Responsiveness is assessed separately through six live exchanges with a teacher, accompanist or prepared performer, because a recording alone cannot test it. Have more questions? Contact our support team and we'll be happy to help! Next steps ## Ready to begin Advanced? Begin Advanced Level. [Show interest](/en-int/course/kathak/advanced/show-interest) [Back to Kathak](/en-int/course/kathak)