Beginner Kathak Dance Workshop [Reaching Communities 2025]

Join us for a friendly and inclusive Indian classical dance workshop, perfect for beginners and open to all abilities! Whether you're new to Kathak or have danced before, this session is designed to welcome everyone. Led by Ash Deshpande (Visharad in Kathak, Mumbai) Company: Move for Wellbeing What to Expect: -Learn the basic techniques, poses, and movements of Kathak -Discover the beauty of mudras, chakkars, hastaks, and rhythmic footwork -Explore the origins and cultural richness of this ancient North Indian dance form -Put it all together in a fun choreography set to a Bollywood song -Experience self-expression through movement in a supportive environment Let’s dive into the vibrant world of traditional Indian culture and celebrate movement, rhythm, and storytelling through dance. No prior experience needed, just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm! *Wearing an Indian outfit is encouraged to enhance the cultural experience but completely optional!* Meet Ash Deshpande from Move for Wellbeing Aishwarya Deshpande, fondly known as Ash, is a dancer, performer, choreographer, and movement director. She is the founder of Move for Wellbeing and began her Kathak Dance journey at the age of six, later earning her Visharad (bachelor's degree) in Kathak from India. Ash describes Kathak as a storytelling artform, where expressive hand gestures (mudras), graceful spins (chakkars), and rhythmic footwork come together to narrate tales through movement. Her performances span pure classical, semi-classical, and instrumental interpretations, each infused with emotion and narrative. Ash has choreographed and movement-directed for theatre productions at Derby Theatre, including Emperor’s New Clothes and Pleasant Land. She performs this expressive dance style both locally and nationally, sharing the richness of Indian classical dance with diverse audiences. Beyond dance, Ash is also a Movement Therapist and Wellbeing Coach, currently working with the NHS. Her approach to teaching and performing is deeply rooted in promoting mental and physical wellbeing through movement. Ash is a proud Derby-based artist and aspires to promote mental health wellbeing through expressive dancing.