Chitresh Das Dance Company -

One must approach the study of Kathak with humility, an open mind, and respect for oneself and for the Guru.

“My Guruji was more concerned with how I walked into the dance class than with how I danced.”
- Pandit Chitresh Das

2. “Prashikshan” - Study and Training
२. प्रशिक्षण

A kathaka must study and train in abhinaya (mime and expression) and in all four elements of kathak dance:

3. “Riyaz mehenat ke sath” - Systematic practice with deep exertion
३ रियाज़ मेहनत के साथ

The mantra at Chhandam is “Practice, Practice, Practice” with hard work and exertion

"Panditji has taught us how to tap the Divine energy in ourselves through the power of practice. …When I am into deep practice and the initial resistance of physical and mental exertion subsides, I enter a realm where there is no "other" - where time is no more.”
- Michelle Zonka, student of Pandit Chitressh Das

4. “Sarvgyan” - Complete knowledge of Kathak
४ सर्वज्ञान

To gain true knowledge of the art form one must also study Indian history, philosophy, mythology, the ancient Indian texts, Indian music, and the sophisticated mathematics of the Indian classical system

5. “Upaj”- Improvisation
५ उपज

As the core of Kathak dance, Upaj leads to true freedom of expression and can only be achieved through training of the body, education of the mind, and riyaz with mehenat.

Spontaneity is an integral aspect of everyday life - one must learn to be sharp, keen, and focused to handle life’s unexpected occurrences.

“Freedom comes from refined discipline with responsibility.” - Pandit Chitresh Das

6. “Shiksha, Prachar aur Suraksha Karna” – To educate, promote and preserve
६. शिक्षा, प्रचार, और सुरक्षा करना

In order to be a true Kathaka, a student must not only educate and train himself or herself, but must also promote and advocate for the art form amongst friends, family, in school, at work, and in the larger community and society. In doing so, students will ultimately preserve the tradition for generations to come.

7. “Tyaag aur Seva” – Sacrifice & selfless service
७. त्याग और सेवा

Through these teachings and training at Chhandam, students will ultimately adopt the values of selflessness and sacrifice. These values must manifest both within the context of their study of Kathak and also permeate in other aspects of their lives by giving back to their communities and the society by and large.

8. “Sadhana” – Devotional practice for life
८ साधना

When the dance becomes a spiritual practice, a way of life, it becomes sadhana. Inspired by the great sadhus and yogis of India, Pt. Das developed Kathak Yoga, a ground-breaking technique which takes Kathak into the realm of spiritual practice, requiring of the practitioner to bring mind, body and spirit into unified focus. In Kathak Yoga, the dancer simultaneously recites the nagma, plays an instrument, and executes complex mathematical patterns. Chhandam students from the beginning to advanced levels are trained in the technique of Kathak Yoga.

9. “Guru-Shishya Parampara” - Guru-Disciple Tradition
९ गुरु शिष्य परमपरा

A “Guru” is “one who removes the darkness” through direct knowledge and training. Knowledge is imparted through the developing relationship between Guru and Disciple.

Pandit Chitresh Das was trained by his Guru, Pandit Ram Narayan Misra, in the traditional guru-shishya parampara (Guru-Disciple tradition). After many years of intense study and adherence to the Nine Principles, students at Chhandam may also enter into a one-to-one relationship with the Guru through a gandhabandan ceremony, signifying a lifelong commitment to the art

“Dance in such a way that your dance becomes one with everything.” -Pandit Ram Narayan Misra, Guru of Pandit Chitresh Das