Kathak Technique Summer Course

What is Gat Nikas in Kathak?

Gat Nikas is a signature aspect of Kathak that explores graceful travelling movement, subtle abhinaya, and character portrayal while maintaining rhythmic clarity and composure.

Gat refers to the styles of movement or manner of walking in Kathak. Nikas means to emerge or come forth. So, Gat Nikas is the art of “emerging into the space” with poise, elegance, and expressiveness, often using gentle storytelling, symbolic gestures, and intricate footwork.

It teaches how to move with meaning — whether portraying a character (e.g., Radha, Krishna), an object (like a flute), or a simple elegant walk that communicates mood and presence.

This series focuses on developing:

• Grace in movement quality
• Body alignment and Anga Suddhi
• Narrative expression through Hastak and gaze
• Character-based and abstract gats
• Confidence and stage presence

Session Structure:

Session 1 | 3 Dec | The Basic Elements of Gat Nikas — posture, gaze, walk patterns, musical entry & exit
Session 2 | 10 Dec | Saadi Gat — the pure, unadorned walk full of grace and clarity
Session 3 | 17 Dec | Bansuri Gat Nikas — embodying the flute and gentle Krishna energy
Session 4 | 7 Jan | Ghoongat Gat Nikas — veil play, softness, subtle expression
Session 5 | 14 Jan | Mor Ki Gat — inspired by the peacock, expanding use of torso and circular movement
Session 6 | 21 Jan | Make Your Own Gat — guided exploration to create your own signature gat
Session 7 | 28 Jan | Revision & Student Showcase (2 hours, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm)** — perform your favourite Gat Nikas from the series

Teacher –Ida Ghatge

Ida Ghatge is a Kathak dancer, choreographer, and psychologist with over 20 years of experience. Trained under Guru Shri Harish Gangani and Radhika Karandikar, she has mastered all three Kathak gharanas — Lucknow, Jaipur, and Banaras — and holds a bachelor’s degree in Indian Classical Dance.

She is the Creative Director of Sapphire Dance, Australia’s leading Bollywood company, and teaches all Kathak classes at Studio J. Ida has performed across Australia, Europe, India, and the US, including collaborations with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and the award-winning short film Twin Flame.

Also a registered psychologist with a master’s in clinical psychology, Ida uses her platform to champion mental health, challenge stereotypes, and empower communities of colour through art and movement.