‘Kathak for me is simply a beautiful medium of expression’

For renowned dancer Rekha Nadgauda, Kathak is an expression of her art and life. Due to her dedication, devotion, and discipline to learn and teach Kathak, Nadgauda today is also recognised as a guru and choreographer. Known for her own creations in varied forms, she speaks to Vaishali Balajiwale about Kathak and its
perception.

Please describe about your Kathak journey.
I was introduced to Kathak by my mother when I was seven years old. My first guru was Master Hyder Sheikh in Nashik. Then I went to learn from Pt Gopi Krishnaji whom I told that I have no money to pay his fees then, but I would not leave till I learn from him the dance form. A guru in a true sense, he taught me and when it was time to leave and I asked him about his guru dakshina, he said, ‘teach others’. I then started Kirti Kala Mandir institute in Nashik where I am teaching ever since. The institute has branched out in Nashik and also has a branch in London. In the meantime, I gained a new perspective of laya and taal from
Pt Kshmatai Bhateji.

How do you look at Kathak as a dance form?
Kathak for me is a simple yet beautiful medium of expression. It is a very natural expression as nothing is forced. The movements, grace, rhythm, foot work, gestures and music all goes in tandem. I find it easy to express through dancing. The form is very close to life.
 
What about experimentation with Kathak?
There is definitely a framework to be followed in Kathak but over the years I realised that a lot more can be done. With an eye for creativity, I tried to do something new. I expressed epics like the stories of Lord Rama in ballet forms, chose bhajans and abhangas to convey the spirituality through dance as well as presented poems of Kusumagraj, Tagore and bandishs of Pt Paluskar through Kathak. Apart from these, I have also presented dance compositions like Amhi Marathi expressing the ethos of Marathi, classical Indo-Western fusion, presentation on female foeticide, moods of Bhairavi and many more. Each creation is a new learning experience and is very enjoyable and satisfying.

You and your students have performed in many places, how was that experience?
Apart from many cities in our own country where Kathak is acclaimed, I have performed in France and with my students in Mauritius, Norway, London and Ireland. Audiences at all these places have applauded our performances. They are sincere in their approach to any dance form. Also, we found many similarities in ballet and Kathak, like the straightness of lines, angles, stretching, expressions and techniques. Language hardly was a barrier anywhere.

What is the present scenario of Kathak in India?
People have started taking dance seriously. There is a choice of gurus and students are eager to learn. However, I strongly feel that parents need clarity when they want their children to learn dance. They must realise that you cannot become a dancing expert quickly. It is a journey, a meditation and evolves with passion and devotion. It will definitely create internal peace. In India, for some Kathak is like a tradition passed down to the other generations. For example, both my daughters are accomplished dancers and are teaching others.