Indian Kathak

TThe word Kathak is derived from the name given to its practitioners 'Kathakars'. Katha meaning story and it's practitioners being those who told these stories. This style from northern India has gained immense popularity today. It is known for its sparkling footwork, fast whirling movements and subtle abhinaya or mimetic dance. It almost never fails to capture the audience and this ability is probably because of its long history in the courts of emperor's and kings.
The technique of the physical body in kathak is very well defined and balanced. The movement of the arms is both sharp and lyrical. There is even combination of both linear and circular movements which make the form simultaneously sharp and quick as well as melodic and flowing. Emerging through the post modern times many dancers have ventured into exploring new ways of movement and finding their own artistic expression.

Indian folk

Indian culture includes a treasure of a variety of folk dances. The diversity in culture and tradition is reflected in the variety of Indian folk dances too. Land of the Hindu Gods and of the Buddha of mystics and militants of Mughals and Sikhs, here are spectacles of dances that fascinate and enchant. Some of the main folk dances that students are exposed to are

* Bhangra and Gidda from Punjab

* Ghoomar and Chirmi from Rajasthan

* Lavni from Maharashtra

* Dandiya and garba from Gujarat

Bollywood

Bollywood is the nickname given to the Indian film industry based largely in Mumbai. The Bollywood movie industry produces up to 800 films a year - twice as many as Hollywood. Each movie is a musical with colorful and elaborate dance sequences. Picture l, competition.large troupes energetically dancing to modern Indian songs. The style is Modern Indian with a mixture of, Classical Indian such as kathak, Bhangra, Arabic with Western influences like Hip hop, Jazz and Funk.

The strong technical background in kathak along with the superior choreography gives the students of RSID an edge in bollywood dancing making them the most sought after bollywood dancers in Sydney. (Winners of the bollywood youth competition 2007, placed 3rd in overall championship in the Hollywood dance competition.