Episode Notes

Abhimanyu Lal, son and disciple of renowned guru and SNA Awardee Smt. Geetanjali Lal is recognized as one of the most accomplished Kathak dancers. The splendor of his brilliant solo performance has earned him applause both in India and other parts of the world. Hailed as a bright star in the firmament of Kathak, Abhimanyu has received acclaim as a dazzling dancer by the media and connoisseurs of arts. He has been awarded Shri Krishana Gana Sabha Endowment Award and Nritya Jayantika Award.

Presently Abhimanyu Lal is teaching Kathak as Varishtha Kathak Prashikshak in National Institute of Kathak Dance, Kathak Kendra, New Delhi

Abhimanyu Lal (@abhimanyu__lal) • Instagram photos and videos

(0:01:41) Dancing with your students at class

(0:04:06) Rituals in Riaaz

(0:05:23) Tips to doing footwork for longer

(0:06:46) The importance of improvisation in Upaj

(0:09:48) The importance of having a good foundation

(0:12:03) Who do you like to work with

(0:14:24) Performing at good and bad venues

(0:16:45) Rituals before going on stage

(0:18:11) Deciding the repertoire based on audience

(0:20:11) How to guage the mood of an audience

(0:21:09) Memorable performances

(0:23:16) Managing language barriers

(0:24:27) Playing drums and relating it to Kathak

(0:26:17) Preparing students to be independent

(0:27:36) Giving Challenges to students on stage

(0:28:50) Difference between how you were taught and how you teach

(0:31:48) Encouraging students to practice

(0:33:15) accomodating students of all levels in workshops

(0:35:38) Teaching how to communicate with the audience

(0:39:43) working with school students

(0:41:56) Legac